Immune System
How does the immune system work?
The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting our bodies from harmful pollutants, bacteria, fungus, viruses and cellular changes that can make us sick. It is composed of various organs, cells and proteins. As long as the immune system functions well, we don’t tend to notice that it’s there. But once it stops fighting against aggressive germs, you get ill.
The intricate network of cells that defend our bodies from all the harmful invaders create barriers throughout our bodies while we go about our daily lives. At times, when an invader penetrates the defence system, it generates white blood cells and other chemicals to destroy the foreign particles. If the immune system is unsuccessful in destroying the foreign pathogens in the early stages, the body activates its self-defence mode.
The immune system can then begin to recognise and fight off similar pathogens. Right from cancer to common cold, the immune system fights it all. Therefore, it is important to build and maintain a good immune system to avoid acute and chronic diseases.
What are the signs of a poor immune system?
High levels of Stress
Stress affects the immune system and results in many psychological problems. After a stressful event at work or home, many people tend to fall sick or feel lethargic due to reduced immunity. Stress reduces the body’s lymphocytes - the white blood cells that fight off infections. The more stressed one gets, the more their lymphocyte levels drop. This is why recovering and avoiding the common cold and flu becomes difficult.
Constant cold
An average adult catches a cold twice to thrice time a year and recovers in the span 7 to 10 days. It takes 2-3 days for the immune system to develop the antibodies and fight off the germs. If a cold lasts for more than 10 days, it’s a clear indicator of low immunity.
Bad gut flora
Frequent diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, or constipation are signs of a compromised immunity. 70% of the immunity is located in the digestive system. It comprises all the beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that support the immune system. Low helpful gut bacteria can leave people vulnerable to viruses, chronic inflammation, and even autoimmune disorders.
Delayed healing
Upon getting hurt, burnt or cut on the skin, the body goes into a damage control mode. The body sends nutrient-rich blood to that part of the skin to help regenerate it. The healthier the immune cells are, the quicker the healing process. When the immunity is compromised, wounds take more time to heal.
Frequent infections
Suffering from frequent infections in one year is a warning sign of low immunity. In a year, if one suffers from more than 4 infections, pneumonia twice, chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis and needs more than two courses of antibiotics in a year, it’s a red flag in their immune system.
Reduced energy levels
Even after getting enough rest, if one continues to feel sluggish, it’s a clear sign that they are struggling with a poor immune system. Our bodies have a tendency of conserving more energy for the immune system to fight off pathogens/ foreign particles. This is why when the immune system struggles, so do your energy levels.
What are the benefits of a strong Immune System?
Having a good immunity can lead to many physical, financial and personal benefits for people in the long run. Studies have shown that a better immune system also leads to a longer and more fulfilling life. Here are the 5 major benefits of strong immunity:
Fights off pathogens
Better immune system means less pathogens to fear. People with better immune systems can bounce back quicker from acute diseases and stay strong in the face of any chronic challenges that may arise with age.
Reduced inflammation
Better immunity means reduced chances of inflammation in the body. With heightened activity in the white blood cells, there is less risk of wear and tear.
Improved mood and stress management
Having a strong immune system means having a quick recovery time. Being unwell for a long period of time often affects the mood and mental wellbeing of a patient. By having a good immunity, one has a better chance at recovery and less risk of stress.
Reduced cost of medical bills
The cost of healthcare is shooting up with every passing year. Of the total amount that Indians spend on healthcare, medicines, contributed the largest chunk of 27.9 % at ₹1,38,061 crore, followed by 25.9 % at private general hospitals (₹1,28,011 crore). A better immunity results in reduced burden of medical bills.
Increased reliability
Primary breadwinners, frontline health workers and people holding positions of responsibilities need to have a powerful immunity due to the number of people being reliant on them. By being more immune one gets the chance to nurse their loved ones back to good health.
What causes a poor Immune System?
There are potentially many reasons for poor immunity, but these are the most common causes:
Smoking
Smoking is injurious to health. It compromises the balance of the immune system. This increases the risk for several immune and autoimmune disorders which are the conditions caused when the immune system erroneously attacks the body’s healthy cells and tissues.
Alcohol
Drinking impairs the immune cells in key organs. Alcohol makes it difficult for the immune system to prepare and shield the body against harmful germs. Alcohol has various contrary effects throughout the body, including on all cells of the immune system that lead to increased risk of serious infections.
Poor nutrition
Poor nutrition can lead to a compromised immune system as without adequate nutrition, the body doesn’t get the needed energy reserves to recover from the wear and tear.
Autoimmune disorder
Autoimmunity is a condition in which the immune system accidently starts attacking healthy cells of the body. Normally the immune system can distinguish foreign cells from normal cells, but in autoimmunity, the immune system mistakes parts of the body as invaders. The protein called autoantibody gets released into the system and starts attacking the healthy cells.
HIV or AIDS
Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). By damaging the immune system, HIV interferes with a body's ability to fight infections and diseases.
How to treat a poor Immune System?
There is no particular line of treatment for a poor immunity. However, for any immunity disorders or deficiencies, the doctors may recommend a cause related solution.
In recent times, immunity booster drinks and immunity booster products have gained popularity as lifestyle habits have begun transforming globally. Unlike before, people are now seated behind screens, leading an inactive life with take-out apps that provide easy access to unhealthy foods. Adding immunity boosters to one’s routine for the prescribed amount of time can help people build their immunity. Unlike drugs that make people dependent on them for recovery, herbal immunity boosters can help target their root cause and improve their compromised immune system
How to prevent a poor Immune System?
Precaution is the best way to strengthen the immune system. Apart from taking immunity boosters or supplements that take care of the body’s nutrition, these basic tips can be followed to prevent a poor immunity:
Good hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene is essential to avoid coming in contact with pathogens. Washing hands regularly with soap and sanitising is the best way to ensure good immunity by reducing exposure to harmful foreign substances. Dusting and cleaning your living and work spaces also helps reduce the risk of spread.
Vaccination
Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to build immunity. Vaccines trigger the body’s immune response to recognize and fight disease-causing organisms. Vaccination, therefore, helps the immune system prepare more antibodies and become potent in the long run.
Healthy diet
Having a healthy and balanced diet is essential to maintaining a good immunity. Including whole foods, vegetables, grains, fruits, lean proteins, etc. in your diet generates more energy supplies for the body’s immune system. Mediterranean food also includes all these necessary nutrients and is a healthier alternative to meat.
Exercise regularly
When we exercise, it increases the production of many different types of white blood cells, one of which is known as macrophage. Macrophages help ingest and destroy harmful bacteria and viruses as they travel through the body. This is especially important during times of stress, when without exercise, immunity can be weakened.
Clean water
Contaminated water is the cause of many diseases. Drinking and using dirty water can give many harmful pathogens entry into one’s body. Drinking filtered or boiled water is the best way to avoid infections and contamination. Bathing with warm water also helps exfoliate the germs and grime stuck on the skin and cleans the pores.
How AFD Pharma's products Limezo-DZ, AFD Shield, Tedyvit Multivitamin and mineral Gummies and Tedyvit Vitamin B Complex Gummies help in Immunity?
Limezo-DZ is a wonderful combination of the three most powerful immunity boosting nutrients, Vitamin C, D and Zinc.
Vitamin C and Zinc are beneficial in keeping viral infections like influenza cold and cough viruses at bay.
Vitamin D is very well-known for its positive effects in maintaining bone mineral density, thus reducing the risk of fractures.
Along with this, Vitamin C and Zinc promote faster wound healing process by activating the collagen molecules that are responsible for healing.
AFD Shield is a comprehensive formula consisting of state-of-the-art ingredients like CoQ10 that boosts immunity by reducing the inflammation caused by free radicals, viruses, and bacteria.
CoQ10 plays role in promoting heart health, diabetic health, and managing hypertension.
AFD Shield also consists of a superfood, Spirulina that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage.
Algal DHA present in AFD Shield is helpful in reducing the blood cholesterol levels, thus naturally maintaining a normal blood pressure.
Tedyvit Multivitamin and mineral Gummies:
Tedyvit Multivitamin and mineral Gummies are packed with the essential vitamins and minerals that are required for boosting immunity, improving energy production, enhancing brain activity, and supporting overall growth and development.
It is a combination of Vitamin A, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and & Minerals- Sodium, Iodine, Magnesium, and Zinc.
This ultimate combination full fills your daily need for vitamins and minerals while making sure that you stay healthy.
Tedyvit Vitamin B Complex Gummies:
Tedyvit Vitamin B Complex Gummies is a B complex blend that consists of Vitamins B1, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12 along with Choline and Inositol, together they exert a protective effect on the body and support a sharper brain function.
They revitalize the energy levels, protect the nervous system, aid in digestion, and help in maintaining healthy skin and hair.