Why is immunity reduced and how to restore it?

"Immunity" is the word we hear and read everywhere, so often that we will certainly find the question "what is this?" Stupid. But try to answer right away, where this "animal" lives and where does it always "fall"? Thinking? Now let's conduct a thorough investigation. Immunity is not a "beast", but a "valiant army", without which our body would crumble like a house of cards from any draft.

Defenders of the body - immune cells (leukocytes) - mature in the bone marrow and thymus (thymus gland), turning into phagocytes (and other cells of innate immunity) and lymphocytes - cells of acquired immunity. Having mastered the "course of the young fighter," the travelers cells go to the spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes and vessels, the follicles of the digestive and respiratory tract, where they complete the preparation for carrying out "combat service".

Moving along tissues and organs together with lymph and blood, leukocytes feel with receptors everything that meets on their way, and with the help of a special code distinguish cells of their organism from foreign ones. When you meet a related substance, "warriors" peacefully part, and if they are "stranger" before them - they begin to attack.

Phagocytes form the first line of defense against infection. They "bind" microorganisms on their surface and absorb them - this is how innate immunity works. If the "army" of microbes-invaders is stronger, lymphocytes (another group of leukocytes) appear on the "battlefield". They produce antibodies that recognize the pathogen, wherever it is (inside cells, in tissue fluid or blood), and help to destroy the infected cells - so does the acquired immunity. But if we do not have the power to influence innate immunity, the work that we have gained depends to a large extent on our way of life.

3 SYSTEM FAILURE
Despite the phenomenal coherence of the immune system, it does not cease to be a mechanism that can fail. There are 3 types of violation of her work.

1 GROUP: IMMUNODEFICIENCY
Most often, when we say: "I lost immunity," we mean its temporary decline, which is being restored. Conditionally, this is the 1st type of immunodeficiency. The second refers to cases when the immune system constantly works at a low level or the immunity is completely lost.

Temporary decrease in immunity (acute respiratory viral infection, influenza, herpes, etc.) Immunity can periodically "fall" throughout life, and there are many reasons for this: stress, fatigue, malnutrition, bad habits (addiction to alcohol, smoking), lack of vitamins and the sun (especially in the cold season), hypothermia, etc. - everything that everyone encounters from time to time. You seem to have nothing and do not hurt, but you become lethargic, the defenses of the body weaken, the work of the entire immune system worsens (the content of lymphocytes decreases, their performance decreases, including the production of antibodies). As a result, you can get sick, and the disease - "drag on" and entail complications.

It is important . Scientists have proved that unmarried women are more likely to suffer from the flu than those who are happy in marriage. In family people (as well as in active and sociable), more antibodies are produced that resist microbes than those who are closed and lonely.

Do not confuse the cause and effect of the fall of immunity. The cold itself is not able to weaken the immune system: you can pick it up, just because your immunity is initially weakened for some reason.

What to do . "Has fallen" immunity? Raise it in a complex way. Also these tips will help to avoid its decline.

Power . Choose a balanced diet. Eat less fat and more protein, which is contained in vitamin D and E-rich fish and lean meat; as well as fiber: vegetables - a storehouse of trace elements (zinc and selenium), necessary for the immune system, and in fruits - also B vitamins, vitamin C and tocopherol (a powerful antioxidant needed by immune cells). The lack of vitamins and trace elements will help to fill biologically active supplements to enhance immunity. Before buying them, check with your doctor and read the instructions carefully.

Physical activity. Regular exercise by fitness or sports increases the body's resistance to infections. First, they accelerate the circulation of lymph - a fluid that delivers immune cells to the "battlefield" (its movement through the lymph vessels occurs due to contractions of the surrounding muscles). Secondly, active movements help keep warm. When you freeze, the speed of movement of defensive cells slows down, and they may not have time to attack the virus. By the way, an ordinary walk in the fresh air or a trip to the steam room (for example, a Russian bath) is a good training for immunity.

Dream . During sleep, cytokines (molecules produced by lymphocytes) are produced. They stimulate the activity of immune cells and determine their survival. Therefore, make sure that the rest is regular, and try not to violate the regime.
The daily rate of sleep is 7-8 hours, and the best way to adjust the regime is to train yourself to go to bed and get up at the same time.

Sex . Scientists from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that those who have frequent sexual contacts (1-2 times a week), the level of immunoglobulin (antibodies) in the saliva is higher. This is another reason to find a permanent partner, if you do not have one yet.

Hygiene . Microbes are an integral part of our immune system. The disinfected world provokes frequent colds. And this is not surprising, because humanity has evolved with them for millions of years, so they are necessary for the formation of our immunity. Of course, nobody canceled personal hygiene, but it's better not to overdo it - find the balance.

Reception of medicines. Do not engage in self-medication: without the appointment of a doctor, taking medications that increase immunity may not only be ineffective, but also dangerous. First, take a survey and make an immunogram determining the presence and status of immunodeficiency.

Continuous decrease or loss of immunity (alimphocytosis, AIDS, etc.)
Because of the lack or absence of the possibility to produce antibodies, the immune system fails or ceases to work. Violations occur:
2 GROUP: ALLERGY AND ASTHMA
These are the cases when the immunity from the "defender" turns into an "aggressor". With allergies, immune cells are hyperactive and inadequately react to safe stimuli: wool, fluff, pollen, etc., and during asthma they activate in the bronchi and lungs, causing spasms and making breathing difficult.

It is important . Excessive activity of immune cells occurs only at the time of attack or contact with the allergen, so allergy or asthma is not a reason to think that there is no need to increase immunity. Alas, each of us is prone to colds and infections.

What to do . After testing, install the allergen. Drink prescribed antihistamines that reduce the symptoms of allergies, and avoid contact with the allergen. With asthma, inhalations are required to remove asthma.

3 GROUP: AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
The main function of the immune system is the ability to distinguish "one's own" from "another's". If it is broken, serious health problems arise. When, for unknown reasons, protective cells, instead of protecting themselves from germs and infections, begin to destroy cells in their body, autoimmune diseases occur.

It is important . The target can be any tissue - kidney, liver, stomach, brain, respiratory tract and eye. Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, thyroid damage, etc.) are incurable, but it is possible to reduce the destructive effect.

What to do . To facilitate the course of the disease, experts recommend taking immuno-suppressive drugs that suppress rebellious immunity (according to prescription and under the supervision of a doctor).