The immune system and its strengthening in the new reality
The immune system is the collection of organs, tissues, cells, proteins, and specialized chemicals that protect the body from a variety of pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. A healthy immune system recognizes invading agents before they cause harm and efficiently protects the body from disease-causing infections.
It is currently accepted that strengthening the immune system is related to several factors, including: increasing sun exposure to boost vitamin D production, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, improving the quality and quantity of sleep, avoiding chronic stress, exercising, and supplementing with products that help strengthen the body's natural defenses. However, the complex social dynamics that humanity is currently experiencing diminish the capabilities of our immune system, as it is essentially subjected to the following conditions:
- Many hours of isolation due to the new way of working and studying from home.
- Voluntary home isolation due to our health condition or age.
- Engaging in activities outside the home with the risk of becoming ill from contagion.
- Dietary changes that do not meet the necessary requirements to strengthen our immune system.
- Alteration in the amount of hours dedicated to sleep and exposure to stressful conditions that decrease the effectiveness of the immune system.
Strengthening the immune system is a powerful tool that can protect us during this pandemic. Various studies have identified several types of vitamins, nutrients, and phytochemicals that can naturally support the immune system. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement our intake of these compounds to maintain optimal levels, allowing us to live a full life in this new reality.
Vitamins and natural products that have received more attention in recent years for helping to strengthen the immune system include:
Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient that humans cannot synthesize. It is a highly effective antioxidant necessary for many bodily functions. Vitamin C can increase antioxidant levels in the blood, which may help reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, such as heart disease. This vitamin, in particular, contributes to a healthy immune system. Because the body has a low storage capacity for it, regular and adequate intake is required to maintain protective levels. Vitamin C supplementation appears to be able to prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections.
Vitamin E. It is an important fat-soluble antioxidant. Several studies provide evidence that vitamin E supplementation may significantly improve a healthy immune response and decrease the production of pro-inflammatory substances, thus conferring better resistance to infections.
Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is essential for supporting the biochemical processes of the immune system, producing new red blood cells, and transporting oxygen throughout the body. This vitamin is also responsible for producing white blood cells and T lymphocytes, which regulate immune responses. Vitamin B6 is considered an immune system regulator that contributes to the production of IL-2 (interleukin-2), a protein that helps develop cellular immune memory by recognizing antigens.
Zinc. Zinc is a fundamental element in the development and communication of immune system cells, and a deficiency can significantly impair their response, exposing the body to a greater risk of infections. In healthy adults, long-term zinc intake is safe, provided the recommended daily dose is maintained.
L-Glutamine. It is the most abundant amino acid in the body, associated with various bodily functions and considered an immunonutrient that fuels the immune system. This amino acid also supports gut health, which in turn is linked to a healthy immune system.
Elderberry extract. Elderberry berries ( Sambuca nigra ) are a source of flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. They have traditionally been used to combat the symptoms of influenza, colds, and sinusitis. Scientific studies of elderberry berries have shown evidence of their antiviral properties and their support of a healthy immune system.
Echinacea. Echinacea purpurea is a plant native to North America, traditionally used by Native Americans to treat respiratory tract ailments. Scientific evidence suggests that it improves immune health and may have antiviral effects against several respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus and rhinoviruses.
Garlic ( Allium sativum ) is a food known for its potential properties that contribute to improving a healthy inflammatory and oxidative response and supporting a healthy immune system.
Turmeric extract ( Curcuma longa ) is a natural support for healthy inflammatory and oxidative processes and contributes to their contribution to healthy immune function.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a widely studied probiotic that occurs naturally in the body. Among its benefits are its role in supporting a healthy immune system, helping to reduce the severity of respiratory symptoms, contributing to healthy inflammatory processes, and improving digestive function, among others.