How does your immune system work?
Ahhh winter. Here we are, cosy next to the fire. Or rugged up and enjoying some winter activities. Winter is a beaitul time of year, but why is illness rife this season?
There’s always a balance between the bugs in the environment - bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites - and our immune system. No matter what season.
Bugs are always around. And they far outnumber us. They are more adaptable and more resilient than us. But please don’t be afraid as there’s no evidence to suggest they are taking over the human race.
The most common infections are upper respiratory. This is because our nose and mouth are open to the environment. Makes sense, right!
But why are they more prevalent in winter? There are many schools of thoughts on this but most agree its becasue we spend more time indoors, in close quarters, and this increases the chance to catch contagious bugs. Plus, seasonal changes can affect resilience. Cold and damp living environments don’t help either.
Our role is to ensure that our immune system is fully functioning. This means we have the reserves to fight the bugs when we are exposed. We call this self-care.
How it works
Our immune system is a complex beast and we will do our best to explain it simply.
If you understand how it works, you'll see how important it is for it to work well. And how you can best support it. Plus, it is truly fascinating so we are excited to explain this to you!
When functioning normally, your immune system fights off intruders before they cause damage. These foreign invaders are pathogenic (disease-causing) microbes, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Recognition of such nasties puts your immune system into defence mode.
The immune system has two different levels of defence:
- Innate immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
When coordinated and working properly, you are completely oblivious to these attacks. You stay well and go about your day.
Innate Immunity
Your innate immune system is what you are born with. It is your first line of defence against any foreign substances and is non-specific in its reactions. This means that your body reacts the same no matter what the invader is.
There are two arms of the innate immune system: Physical barriers, and Inflammation.
Keep your barriers up
The first line of your immune system’s defence are the physical barriers in your body; AKA your skin and mucous membranes.
Your mucous membranes are the thin line of cells which line your digestive tract - all the way from mouth to anus. This is essentially one long tube, open to the external environment. Because of this external exposure, this barrier is vital for keeping the bad stuff (eg: viruses and bacteria) out of your body and allowing the good stuff (eg: nutrients from food and plants) in.
When pathogens try to slip past past these barriers, the body attempts to remove them mechanically - by coughing it up, sneezing or vomiting it out, or expelling through the urine or faeces. This is one of the reasons that your skin and mucous membranes are replaced so regularly - so that any pathogens get sloughed off with it.
These barriers have a chemical arsenal as well. Tears, mucus, sweat, and saliva are designed to trap invaders. They contain enzymes which can attack the pathogen, or create an environment in which the pathogen can’t survive. Amazing!
If these barriers are compromised, then it is much easier for bugs to get into the body to cause mayhem. Things like ulcers, inflammation, food intolerances or allergies, and previous infection can all compromise our skin and mucous membrane barriers.
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection.
The four signs of inflammation are redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Its’ role is to bring blood, fluid, specialised cells and chemicals to the area. This helps deal with the issue, keep it contained, prevent infection, and activate healing.
Inflammation is responsible for many of the symptoms we feel when we have a cold or flu, including a fever. Fevers purposefully raise the body temperature to make the environment inhospitable to the invaders. When you’re feverish, it can feel like your body is trying to fight and expel something. Because it is!
An inflammatory response should be quick and efficient. Dampening down your body’s inflammation allows the bugs to take hold, and can prolong illness. This is especially true for a fever.
Adaptive Immunity
Adaptive immunity is your second line of defence. This part of your immune system is specific and has memory. It protects you against microbes which you’ve previously had contact with. Chemicals such as antibodies, and certain white blood cells called T Cells, are all part of the adaptive immune response.
When you have contact with a specific pathogen, the adaptive immune system “tags” it. Then, if the same pathogen attempts to invade the body again, the adaptive immune system recognises it and can target a specific attack very quickly. Because it takes time for this part of the immune system to develop, it is important that the Innate Immune System is intact.
Putting it all together
The genius thing about this sophisticated system, is that when it is working properly, you are completely unaware of it! It is only when we are knocked flat by illness that we start to question how well our immune system is functioning.
It makes sense that in winter, in colder conditions and more personal contact (hibernating inside), your immune system has to work that much harder. It doesn't take much for the extra threats and bug attacks to put strain on your immune system and it can dysfunction.
Luckily, there are many things that we can do to support all the areas of our immune system!
Stay tuned for Part 2 - how to build a strong immune system.
In this article we'll teach you:
- The best plants to use to both prevent and treat illness
- Why certain foods are important for a healthy immune system
- How stress can dampen your immune response - and what you can do about it.
Research is on file, please request if you’re interested.