Your Immune System: Prepping For cold & Flu Season
- LFM Admin
- Jan 3, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 7, 2023
Your Immune System
The Immune System
Your immune system is a complex network of chemicals, cells, tissues, and organs meant to defend your body against invaders.
It recognizes outside invaders such as viruses, fungi or bacteria which include the common cold, seasonal flu, and Covid.
It works to produce immune responses such as the production of white blood cells and antibodies to help fight infection and remember the attack to help protect you with future exposure.
What Are White Blood Cells?
Produced when harmful microbes invade your body and help mount a defense to fight infection.
Part of your immune system which helps fight infection and disease.
Types of White Cells Granulocytes
Neutrophils
Eosinophils
Basophils
Monocytes Human monocytes are bone marrow-derived leukocytes that circulate in the blood and can differentiate into monocyte-derived macrophages and monocyte-derived dendritic cells that govern innate and adaptive immune responses. Lymphocytes
T Cells
B Cells
Two Parts of Your Immune System
Innate Immune System
Adaptive Immune System
Cells from both are made in different organs in your body. These include:
Tonsils – Pair of small, soft-tissue masses located in the back of your throat
Adenoids – Pair of glands located at the back of your nasal passage
Thymus – Two lobes joining in the front of your trachea located behind your breastbone
Bone Marrow – Soft, spongy tissue found in the cavity of your bones
Lymph Nodes – Tiny bean-shaped organs connected by lymphatic vessels located all over your body
Lymphatic Vessels – Network of channels throughout your body that carry lymphocytes
Spleen – Organ located in the middle of the abdominal cavity
Peyer Patches – Lymphoid tissue in the small intestines
Innate Immune System
An inherited rapid response system you are born with which helps respond to invaders and create barriers of protection against harmful germs, parasites, or harmful cells.
Invaders inside immune system cells called phagocytes are killed. Innate Immune System Includes:
Eye Cornea
Skin
Mucous membrane lining the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts
Adaptive Immune System
Changes over the course of your lifetime.
Makes special proteins called antibodies with the help of the innate immune system and protects your body against specific invaders.
Antibodies are developed by B lymphocytes after exposure and remain in your body to help prevent future infection.
How To Strengthen Your Immune System
Prevent disease-causing microorganisms from invading your immune system by creating balance in your body. This is achieved with a healthy lifestyle and by following good-health guidelines:
Avoid smoking & drinking alcohol
Eat a diet rich in fruits & vegetables
Regular exercise
Maintain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index)
Get adequate, quality sleep
Manage stress
Immune System & Age
Immune response is reduced with age.
Diet & Your Immune System
A healthy immune system requires regular nourishment.
Micronutrient deficiencies alter immune response. This includes:
Iron
Copper
Folic Acid
Vitamins A, B6, C & E
How To Bolster Your Immune System Vitamin C
Reduces duration of a cold
Vitamin D
Wards off infections
Assists with calcium absorption & bone health
Aids in cell proliferation & supports the immune system
Zinc
Shortens & eases symptoms
Quercetin
Boosts immunity & fights infection
NAC Pro
Inhibits growth of harmful cells
Immune Active
Provides high-potency vitamin C & zinc including quercetin & NAC to support a healthy immune response & promote antioxidant processes
Glutathione
Instrumental in tissue building & repair and in immune system function
Probiotic
Strains of live & active bacteria offer therapeutic potential
Electrolytes
Vital to key functions in the body
The Immune System
Your immune system is a complex network of chemicals, cells, tissues, and organs meant to defend your body against invaders.
It recognizes outside invaders such as viruses, fungi or bacteria which include the common cold, seasonal flu, and Covid.
It works to produce immune responses such as the production of white blood cells and antibodies to help fight infection and remember the attack to help protect you with future exposure.
What Are White Blood Cells?
Produced when harmful microbes invade your body and help mount a defense to fight infection.
Part of your immune system which helps fight infection and disease.
Types of White Cells Granulocytes
Neutrophils
Eosinophils
Basophils
Monocytes Human monocytes are bone marrow-derived leukocytes that circulate in the blood and can differentiate into monocyte-derived macrophages and monocyte-derived dendritic cells that govern innate and adaptive immune responses. Lymphocytes
T Cells
B Cells
Two Parts of Your Immune System
Innate Immune System
Adaptive Immune System
Cells from both are made in different organs in your body. These include:
Tonsils – Pair of small, soft-tissue masses located in the back of your throat
Adenoids – Pair of glands located at the back of your nasal passage
Thymus – Two lobes joining in the front of your trachea located behind your breastbone
Bone Marrow – Soft, spongy tissue found in the cavity of your bones
Lymph Nodes – Tiny bean-shaped organs connected by lymphatic vessels located all over your body
Lymphatic Vessels – Network of channels throughout your body that carry lymphocytes
Spleen – Organ located in the middle of the abdominal cavity
Peyer Patches – Lymphoid tissue in the small intestines
Innate Immune System
An inherited rapid response system you are born with which helps respond to invaders and create barriers of protection against harmful germs, parasites, or harmful cells.
Invaders inside immune system cells called phagocytes are killed. Innate Immune System Includes:
Eye Cornea
Skin
Mucous membrane lining the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts
Adaptive Immune System
Changes over the course of your lifetime.
Makes special proteins called antibodies with the help of the innate immune system and protects your body against specific invaders.
Antibodies are developed by B lymphocytes after exposure and remain in your body to help prevent future infection.
How To Strengthen Your Immune System
Prevent disease-causing microorganisms from invading your immune system by creating balance in your body. This is achieved with a healthy lifestyle and by following good-health guidelines:
Avoid smoking & drinking alcohol
Eat a diet rich in fruits & vegetables
Regular exercise
Maintain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index)
Get adequate, quality sleep
Manage stress
Immune System & Age
Immune response is reduced with age.
Diet & Your Immune System
A healthy immune system requires regular nourishment.
Micronutrient deficiencies alter immune response. This includes:
Iron
Copper
Folic Acid
Vitamins A, B6, C & E
How To Bolster Your Immune System
Vitamin C
Reduces duration of a cold
Vitamin D
Wards off infections
Assists with calcium absorption & bone health
Aids in cell proliferation & supports the immune system
Zinc
Shortens & eases symptoms
Quercetin
Boosts immunity & fights infection
NAC Pro
Inhibits growth of harmful cells
Immune Active
Provides high-potency vitamin C & zinc including quercetin & NAC to support a healthy immune response & promote antioxidant processes
Glutathione
Instrumental in tissue building & repair and in immune system function
Probiotic
Strains of live & active bacteria offer therapeutic potential
Electrolytes
Vital to key functions in the body
Green Tea
Contains catechins & polyphenols which help impede viral replication
Source of antioxidants to bolster immune system and ward off viruses
Garlic
Compound in garlic supports disease-fighting response of some white blood cells
Contains catechins & polyphenols which help impede viral replication
Source of antioxidants to bolster immune system and ward off viruses
