Every country in the world has a defence system which is made up of the military, secret services, police, border security, to name a few. They work together to safeguard their country against enemies and protect its borders and population.
As a sovereign entity, your body is like a country with its own defence system – the immune system. Your defence system i.e. immune system is made up of special cells, organs and chemicals that fight infection (microbes). The main parts of your immune system are:
- White blood cells
- The spleen
- Antibodies
- The thymus
- The complement system
- The lymphatic system
- The Bone marrow
- The stomach and bowel
- The skin
- Tonsils and adenoid
Just as the different divisions of a country's security system have one goal but different duties, the different parts of your immune system also have the same goal but different duties.
Just as the different divisions of a country's security system have one goal but different duties, the different parts of your immune system also have the same goal but different duties.
Your white blood cells, for example, have more or less similar duties as the border security in a country. They circulate around the blood to ensure everything is as it should be. [*]
When they find an enemy (pathogen) or something that shouldn't be there they multiply and raise the alarm so that other cells and organs can join in this fight. Some pathogens like infectious bacteria, yeasts and parasites trigger an immune response. [*]
This leads to a chain of events that help mobilise the right unit to respond and prepare attack. Each unit fights the enemy with their own tools and weapons.
For your immune system to function properly, all parts of the system must work together. And as you can imagine, a robust defence system means the difference between health and disease.
Did you know that 70% of your immune system is in your gut? Support your gut to protect your immune system today with our 3-in-1 gut supplement. Grab yours here.
What happens when our immune system dysfunctions
Frequent infections, fatigue, often having a cold, and tummy issues are all signs that your immune system is compromised.
Your body is one interconnected system and no part works in isolation. If you cut your finger for example, your body activates your immune system, which in turn sends out inflammatory cells. These are to help heal the damaged tissue. But as we've already mentioned, your immune system is also activated by pathogens.
Acute inflammation (like cutting your finger) is harmless. Chronic inflammation on the other hand, is when your body's continuously sending inflammatory cells to fight pathogens. This lingering response leaves your body in constant alert (and fighting mode). [*]
So what can go wrong with this imbalance in your immune system? Scientists link many conditions to immune system dysfunction. [*] These include:
- Type I diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Celiac disease
- Allergies
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriasis
- Psoriasis arthritis
That's a long list of serious conditions and diseases, right? If you're curious about how what happens in your immune system can impact your health in such ways, think of a three-letter word - no, not hat or gym! Continue reading to see what the right word is.
Your inner community
The Greek physician Hippocrates (460 – 370 BC) is believed to have said, “All disease begins in the gut.” When you consider that 70 percent of our immune system is located in the gut, this theory makes a lot of sense. [*]
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria and fungi that are known as the gut microbiome. This community of microbes consist of both good and bad guys. Having more bad bacteria than good contributes to chronic inflammation. [*] [*]
As we've already mentioned, chronic inflammation triggers a host of conditions and serious diseases. So how can you support your immune system and ensure it's equipped to keep you healthy and safe? Let's find out.
How to support your immune system
Your immune system works hard for you every day and all day. To help it do its many functions that are key to your survival, you must support it with the right lifestyle choices.
Remember what we said about your gut earlier? Well, we can actually shape our gut microbiome through the choices we make (or don't make).
Here are a few ways you can install a robust nutrient security system to protect your gut and immune system:
- Exercise
- Reduce stress
- Quality sleep
- Minimising exposure to environmental toxins
But if there's one superpower that can help support your immune system like no other, it's nutrition. As the immune cells in your gut interact with your microbiome, taking gut-friendly measures will help optimise your health.
Diet and immune function
Unlike the defence system of a country, your immune system doesn't require you to pay a monthly salary to keep you safe. All it asks for in return is that you look after it. Not too much to ask, right? So how can you look after your immune system? It starts with your gut. [*]
Studies show that your gut bacteria may help rebuild your immune system, which means you can eat great food that supports healing you.[*]
Immune support diet
Did you know that most people with immune issues have low levels of phytonutrients? Also called phytochemicals, phytonutrients are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemicals found in foods such as:
- Fruits
- Veggies
- Beans
- Spices
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Tea
Phytonutrients can enhance immunity and fight inflammation as well as cancer. While all phytonutrient-rich foods are great for your immune system and overall health, curcumin deserves a special shout out. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric and what gives turmeric its distinctive yellow car.
Curcumin has powerful therapeutic benefits and thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, this humble spice can do wonders for your immune system. [*]
We know you're curious so here are some foods that are high in phytonutrients: [*]
- Grapes
- Berries
- Avocado
- Olive oil
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Kale
If you're a tea drinker (which we believe everyone should be!), then herbal teas like ginger, nettle, mint, clove and chamomile are great for boosting immunity.
Foods that are high in vitamins A, C, and D as well zinc and iron can also help support immune function. The great news is that every single bite can help change your microbiome for the better.
You can literally feed your good bacteria what they need to stay strong (so they can keep you safe). Depending on your own immune system, it's possible to restore full functionality through nutrition. [*]
Isn't that amazing? We believe so. To say that your gut is arguably the most important determiner of your overall health would be an understatement!
Immunity support supplement
Since 70% of the immune system is located in your gut, supporting your gut means supporting your immune system too. Pretty amazing, no?
If your immune system is already compromised or you want to optimise it, gut health supplements are a great way to support yours. Whether you're looking for probiotics for gut health or digestive enzyme supplements, you can find powerful ingredients in our premium 3-in-1 digestive supplement. Formulated by gut experts, our supplement contains:
- Complex digestive enzymes
- A diverse range of probiotic strains
- Organic botanicals including chamomile, lemon balm and peppermint
Combined, these all-natural ingredients not only promote a healthy immune system but also help reduce symptoms of bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea.
In short, it's another powerful weapon you can use to defend your immune system and gut health!
Foods to avoid
The food you eat (or don't eat) can strengthen or weaken good/bad bacteria. For example, did you know that you can starve the bad bacteria in your gut? How?
By not feeding it the fuel it thrives on: sugar and processed foods, and all “foods” that promote inflammation. Think soft drinks, cookies, refined carbs (white pasta, bread, flour, etc.), doughnuts, etc.
Bottom line
Your immune system is a complex system that's designed to protect you so you can lead a healthy life. This protection can be compromised through the foods we eat, the level of stress in our lives, poor sleep, and medication.
By understanding how this system works and what weakens it, you can easily fight health issues and diseases through the medicinal power of food and gut health supplements. Once you know that your immune system is designed to operate at peak efficiency, it's easy to expect this efficiency!
