The immune system

What can we do to strengthen our defences? Obviously not everyone suffers equally from certain infections, such as the wave of flu that occurs during the winter. People with certain pre-existing conditions are naturally at higher risk than healthy individuals. However, differences can be observed even between those who seem to be in good health.

What is the immune system, and how does it work?

A plethora of potentially harmful microorganisms exists in our environment. When they enter the human body, the body’s built-in immune system fights them off.

The human defence system consists of the innate and the acquired immune system. Both immune system types depend on the interplay between certain cells and dissolved molecules. The two systems are also closely interrelated.

The acquired and innate immune system are mutually dependent

The acquired immune system does not replace the innate immune system but rather works with it. 
Only a well coordinated interplay of the innate and acquired immune defences makes the body’s complex immune response possible.

Non-specific or innate immune system

The innate immune system is not specialised for specific pathogens. Our non-specific immune response is something like the first line of defence. It generally attacks everything identified as “extraneous”.

Specific or acquired immune system

The acquired immune system only forms after contact with a specific pathogen. Memory cells and specific antibodies are subsequently retained, enabling a rapid and specific defence response upon renewed contact with that pathogen.

Both systems are comprised of humoral or dissolved compounds and cellular components.

Cellular immune defence

A functioning immune system requires certain cells or their precursors for defence. These are found in the immune system’s organs. The bone marrow and thymus gland are the primary immune organs.

This is where the immune cells (such as lymphocytes) are produced and subsequently mature. The secondary immune organs are the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, appendix and the Peyer’s patches in the small intestine. They are the primary repositories for mature immune cells and the specific immune response is organised from here.

Humoral immune defence – mainly with specific proteins

The production of antibodies released into the blood is referred to as the humoral immune response.

Thus the humoral immune defence is based on the immune system’s soluble components. Here the lymphatic system plays an important role. It also includes bacteria-killing enzymes found in saliva and the tear fluid. Antibodies “tailored” to a specific pathogen are part of it, along with various messenger substances (such as cytokines) that are produced by the immune cells and control the immune response.

What are antigens?

Antigens are substance that trigger an immune response. These surface characteristics occur on bacteria and viruses, for example, and are identified by the body as foreign.

The immune system responds to the antigens, among other things by producing antibodies.

There are also antigens inherent to the body. The immune system learns to identify the body’s own antigens during development in the womb and in the first few weeks of life, but they do not trigger an immune response.

What are antibodies?

In technical language, antibodies are also called immunoglobulins. They are proteins formed by the immune system.

Simply put, they are able to dock on foreign objects and destroy them.

The immune system’s jobs and responses are complicated and very diverse. However, this also tells us just how important a functioning immune system is for human health.

Boosting the body’s defences

As autumn comes around, we often hear “The cold time of year is coming and my child will keep getting sick again!” Working adults, especially those who interact with a lot of people in their job, also say this about themselves.

Schuessler salts are ideal for boosting the body's own immune system. The innate immune system in particular is strengthened. Schuessler salts can make you more healthy and robust.

Naturally, the right Schuessler salt can offer quick relief in case of acute need. But for prevention, “so you don’t catch every bug”, a long-term perspective on taking the Schuessler salts is important. Schuessler salts can be taken at any age, by the whole family.

A healthy lifestyle also boosts the immune system.

Certain life choices and behaviours have a decisive influence on the immune system as well. They can prevent susceptibility to infection in the first place.

Tips to boost your defences

Exercise & moderate sports

The importance of sufficient exercise for our health is frequently underestimated. Regular exercise – even a one-hour walk in fresh air – is proven to strengthen the immune system.

Fresh air

The more we heat our home during the cold time of the year, the drier the mucous membranes get. That makes them more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Ventilation brings fresh air into the room while pathogens and stale air are purged.

Spending time outside in fresh air when the weather is nice also supplies you with vitamin D. The sunshine vitamin makes an essential contribution to the functioning of our immune defences.

Restorative sleep

How much sleep we need differs from one person to the next. It is however clear that sufficient sleep is important for staying fit and healthy. Seven to nine hours of sleep a night is enough for many.

Read more about healthy sleep

Social contact boosts our immune system

Family and friends have a major influence on our physical health. They make us feel secure and put us in a good mood. That can also strengthen our immune system.

Frequent hand washing

We put our hands on door handles and then touch our face or rub our eyes without thinking. This transports pathogens onto our skin and mucous membranes. Washing our hands frequently is therefore important. Water alone is not sufficient to adequately clean our hands. Using plenty of soap is essential for hand washing. Lather your hands for 30 seconds, rinse and dry thoroughly.

A healthy diet, rich in nutrients

The immune system needs a healthy supply of nutrients to function properly. Among other things, trace elements such as zinc and selenium are important, and so are vitamins.

Vitamin C is certainly the best known vitamin to strengthen the body’s immune defences. Examples of foods high in vitamin C include red peppers, Barbados cherries, black currants, parsley and broccoli.

An adequate, healthy diet is a basic requirement, with plenty of fruit and vegetables – preferably regional and seasonal. Ginger, garlic and turmeric are genuine “superfoods” for the immune system.

Since our mucous membranes need fluids, drinking sufficient water or weak herbal teas is important.

A healthy diet supplies the body with antioxidants. They counteract free radicals.

Immune system

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