BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY
Most of us know what immunity is, but contrary to appearances, it is not such a simple topic. The immune system consists of many organs such as the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches, which produce and mature cells responsible for protecting our body from infections. The basic cell of the immune system is the leukocyte, which differentiates into many other types, each with its specific role.
Immunity is a multi-level barrier that recognizes and neutralizes harmful pathogens, but it also prevents allergies and autoimmune diseases.
We can distinguish three main lines of defense that determine the safety of our body. The first line of defense includes the skin, mucous membranes, enzymes, and intestinal flora bacteria, aiming to prevent pathogens from entering the body. The second line of defense is the innate immune system, which acts immediately after contact with a pathogen, but this mechanism is non-specific, general in nature, and lacks immunological memory. At this level, mainly leukocytes are active, showing phagocytic abilities, such as granulocytes and macrophages. If, however, the pathogenic factor breaks through the first and second lines of defense, the so-called adaptive immune system, also known as acquired, comes into play. It is specific to a particular pathogen and effectively neutralizes harmful microorganisms. This line of defense includes lymphocytes, T and B cells, and the downside is the reaction time, which is usually not immediate and works with some delay, unless the body has had prior contact with the pathogen – then the reaction is faster.
Practically all white blood cells release compounds such as interferon gamma, interleukins, immunoglobulins, prostaglandins, cytokines, and others, informing the rest of the infection-fighting cells, creating an inflammatory state, and forming a kind of network to effectively destroy viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
The primary task of the immune system is to defend the body against infections and toxins, but these cells also play a role in maintaining the proper mechanisms for the reconstruction of our tissues. What does this mean? If there is a misreading of genetic information in the tissues or if "abnormal" cells are formed, white blood cells are responsible for their identification and neutralization. Immunology plays a very important role in the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of many diseases in medicine.
Autumn and winter are times of increased susceptibility to illness and decreased immunity, so it's worth paying attention to strengthening the immune system during this period.
There are many factors that can hinder the immune system at various levels. A healthy and effective immune system is influenced by nutrition, hydration, physical activity, sleep, and proper breathing. A balanced diet is one that provides essential vitamins and minerals, as well as dietary fiber and natural probiotics, as healthy intestines are not only responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrients but also for immunity. Physical activity and an adequate amount of rest and sleep also play a significant role in health. Unfortunately, with age, defense mechanisms decrease, and the same happens with frequent exposure to harmful environmental factors. In some situations, it is worth considering external support.
According to research, lifestyle is responsible for more than 50% of our health, but prevention and factors related to our environment – such as air quality, water, or food – also have an impact!
The activity and efficiency of the immune system can be reduced by:
Basic immune system cells live relatively short lives, some only a few hours, while others can survive for several years (responsible for immunological memory). However, due to their frequent use and short lifespan, some immune system cells require constant supplies of nutrients for both their production and activity.
Due to the complex and multi-level mechanism observed in the immune system, there are many compounds that can support immunity. Support can involve both the production and maturation of leukocytes (vitamin D3, zinc, magnesium) and assistance in neutralizing inflammation (vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D3, selenium). Some ingredients (vitamin D3, zinc, selenium) may also directly affect the activation of genetic pathways involved in the production of white blood cells and cytokines that fight for our health.
The human body consists of three interconnected areas that determine overall health – mental, structural, and biochemical. Our Immunity Support Kit contains essential vitamins and minerals that support immunity at the biochemical level and ensure the body's homeostasis.
Key minerals and vitamins:
1. Vitamin D3: It regulates both the innate and adaptive immune systems. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present on almost all immune system cells, making it essential for the work of cells, tissues, as well as hormones and cytokines responsible for immunity. Vitamin D is also crucial in protecting the integrity of the mucous barrier and regulating intestinal function.
2. Vitamin C: It supports the immune system on several fronts. Firstly, it influences the function and integrity of the epithelial barrier against pathogens. It also affects serum function and cellular levels. Vitamin C accumulates in leukocytes, such as neutrophils, where it is responsible for enhancing chemotaxis, phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species production during inflammation, and ultimately the process of neutralizing pathogens. Vitamin C deficiency impairs immunity and increases susceptibility to infections.
3. Vitamin E: Many scientific studies indicate the significant importance of tocopherols in the activity and efficiency of the immune system. Vitamin E can act anti-inflammatory in the serum, reducing the production of reactive oxygen species, and it also contributes to the production and differentiation of lymphocytes, as well as reducing the concentration of inflammatory factors (such as interferon gamma, prostaglandin E). Vitamin E is a well-researched substance with immune-stimulating properties, improving the body's resistance to infections. It works well in combination with vitamin C.
4. Zinc: It plays a crucial role in the immune system. Zinc deficiency can lead to thymus atrophy (the organ responsible for immune cell maturation), lymphopenia, impaired immune cell and antibody response. Since the discovery of the link between zinc deficiency and immune system dysfunction about 50 years ago, it has been widely researched. At the cellular level, zinc regulates the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by monocytes by regulating their genes. Besides regulating the inflammatory response, zinc has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It has been found that during infection, there is a decrease in zinc levels in the blood serum, suggesting increased utilization and demand. Zinc is also identified as a factor that can shorten the duration of colds and provide effective support for upper respiratory infections.
5. Magnesium: It exhibits remarkable functionality in the functioning of the entire body. As it turns out, it also has a strong connection with immunity, both innate and acquired. Magnesium deficiency in the diet affects the magnitude of the inflammatory response and changes in the number and function of leukocytes. Magnesium is a modulator of the immune system, activating the formation of antibodies and increasing their protective effectiveness against pathogens and improper division.
6. Selenium: It is a trace mineral that plays essential roles in the immune system, affecting the production of immune bodies, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Research indicates that selenium is also a key factor in the body's response to viral infections.
Immunity is a multi-level barrier that recognizes and neutralizes harmful pathogens, but it also prevents allergies and autoimmune diseases.
We can distinguish three main lines of defense that determine the safety of our body. The first line of defense includes the skin, mucous membranes, enzymes, and intestinal flora bacteria, aiming to prevent pathogens from entering the body. The second line of defense is the innate immune system, which acts immediately after contact with a pathogen, but this mechanism is non-specific, general in nature, and lacks immunological memory. At this level, mainly leukocytes are active, showing phagocytic abilities, such as granulocytes and macrophages. If, however, the pathogenic factor breaks through the first and second lines of defense, the so-called adaptive immune system, also known as acquired, comes into play. It is specific to a particular pathogen and effectively neutralizes harmful microorganisms. This line of defense includes lymphocytes, T and B cells, and the downside is the reaction time, which is usually not immediate and works with some delay, unless the body has had prior contact with the pathogen – then the reaction is faster.
Practically all white blood cells release compounds such as interferon gamma, interleukins, immunoglobulins, prostaglandins, cytokines, and others, informing the rest of the infection-fighting cells, creating an inflammatory state, and forming a kind of network to effectively destroy viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
The primary task of the immune system is to defend the body against infections and toxins, but these cells also play a role in maintaining the proper mechanisms for the reconstruction of our tissues. What does this mean? If there is a misreading of genetic information in the tissues or if "abnormal" cells are formed, white blood cells are responsible for their identification and neutralization. Immunology plays a very important role in the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of many diseases in medicine.
Autumn and winter are times of increased susceptibility to illness and decreased immunity, so it's worth paying attention to strengthening the immune system during this period.
There are many factors that can hinder the immune system at various levels. A healthy and effective immune system is influenced by nutrition, hydration, physical activity, sleep, and proper breathing. A balanced diet is one that provides essential vitamins and minerals, as well as dietary fiber and natural probiotics, as healthy intestines are not only responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrients but also for immunity. Physical activity and an adequate amount of rest and sleep also play a significant role in health. Unfortunately, with age, defense mechanisms decrease, and the same happens with frequent exposure to harmful environmental factors. In some situations, it is worth considering external support.
According to research, lifestyle is responsible for more than 50% of our health, but prevention and factors related to our environment – such as air quality, water, or food – also have an impact!
The activity and efficiency of the immune system can be reduced by:
- an unhygienic lifestyle
- lack of sleep
- overwork
- excessive physical exertion
- chronic stress
- mental overload
- caloric deficit
- deficiency of minerals and vitamins.
Basic immune system cells live relatively short lives, some only a few hours, while others can survive for several years (responsible for immunological memory). However, due to their frequent use and short lifespan, some immune system cells require constant supplies of nutrients for both their production and activity.
Due to the complex and multi-level mechanism observed in the immune system, there are many compounds that can support immunity. Support can involve both the production and maturation of leukocytes (vitamin D3, zinc, magnesium) and assistance in neutralizing inflammation (vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D3, selenium). Some ingredients (vitamin D3, zinc, selenium) may also directly affect the activation of genetic pathways involved in the production of white blood cells and cytokines that fight for our health.
The human body consists of three interconnected areas that determine overall health – mental, structural, and biochemical. Our Immunity Support Kit contains essential vitamins and minerals that support immunity at the biochemical level and ensure the body's homeostasis.
Key minerals and vitamins:
1. Vitamin D3: It regulates both the innate and adaptive immune systems. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present on almost all immune system cells, making it essential for the work of cells, tissues, as well as hormones and cytokines responsible for immunity. Vitamin D is also crucial in protecting the integrity of the mucous barrier and regulating intestinal function.
2. Vitamin C: It supports the immune system on several fronts. Firstly, it influences the function and integrity of the epithelial barrier against pathogens. It also affects serum function and cellular levels. Vitamin C accumulates in leukocytes, such as neutrophils, where it is responsible for enhancing chemotaxis, phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species production during inflammation, and ultimately the process of neutralizing pathogens. Vitamin C deficiency impairs immunity and increases susceptibility to infections.
3. Vitamin E: Many scientific studies indicate the significant importance of tocopherols in the activity and efficiency of the immune system. Vitamin E can act anti-inflammatory in the serum, reducing the production of reactive oxygen species, and it also contributes to the production and differentiation of lymphocytes, as well as reducing the concentration of inflammatory factors (such as interferon gamma, prostaglandin E). Vitamin E is a well-researched substance with immune-stimulating properties, improving the body's resistance to infections. It works well in combination with vitamin C.
4. Zinc: It plays a crucial role in the immune system. Zinc deficiency can lead to thymus atrophy (the organ responsible for immune cell maturation), lymphopenia, impaired immune cell and antibody response. Since the discovery of the link between zinc deficiency and immune system dysfunction about 50 years ago, it has been widely researched. At the cellular level, zinc regulates the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by monocytes by regulating their genes. Besides regulating the inflammatory response, zinc has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It has been found that during infection, there is a decrease in zinc levels in the blood serum, suggesting increased utilization and demand. Zinc is also identified as a factor that can shorten the duration of colds and provide effective support for upper respiratory infections.
5. Magnesium: It exhibits remarkable functionality in the functioning of the entire body. As it turns out, it also has a strong connection with immunity, both innate and acquired. Magnesium deficiency in the diet affects the magnitude of the inflammatory response and changes in the number and function of leukocytes. Magnesium is a modulator of the immune system, activating the formation of antibodies and increasing their protective effectiveness against pathogens and improper division.
6. Selenium: It is a trace mineral that plays essential roles in the immune system, affecting the production of immune bodies, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Research indicates that selenium is also a key factor in the body's response to viral infections.