Structure of an Immune System

And how exactly is an immune system structured?

You can imagine it as a large network consisting of two groups:

* The innate or non-specific immune system (it works from birth)
* The acquired or specific immune system (this is acquired through learning processes)

It is important that both systems work closely together.

Most pathogens are rendered harmless by the innate system within a few hours.

The acquired immune defense, on the other hand, is only learned by our organism through direct contact with specific pathogens. The development of the specific defense constantly evolves throughout life.

Many organs and cell systems are also involved in the structure of our immune system. Some of these are:

* Lymph nodes
* Tonsils
* Spleen
* Thymus
* Bone marrow
* Intestine
* Special white blood cells
* Phagocytes and killer cells in the tissue
* Skin and mucous membranes

Our immune or defense system thus unites like an army to ward off bacteria and viruses so that they cannot cause an infection and multiply. Furthermore, it is also responsible for regulating the body's own bacterial flora, e.g., in the intestine. Wound healing is also supported by our immune system. It kills
invading viruses and bacteria, assists in the reconstruction of damaged tissue and stimulates healing.

Supporting the Immune System

Can I also support my immune strength?

Yes, our immune system lives and suffers with our lifestyle. One can already build up one's immune system in some easy ways here. Consequently, everyone should do this regularly as best as possible, because our immune system is constantly working extremely hard. This can also lead to overexertion and signs of stress, which can have drastic consequences for health.

Natural Lifestyle for Strengthening

What exactly can I do for a strong, intact immune system?

The following factors strengthen your immune system:

* Balanced diet: plenty of fruits and vegetables, little meat, wheat, sugar and processed foods
* Targeted replenishment of nutrient stores
* Sufficient (preferably daily or at least every other day) exercise outdoors
* Avoiding (or at least reducing) alcohol and nicotine
* Sufficient water intake (approx. 1 liter per 25 kg body weight, little to no sugary drinks)
* A balanced psyche is also very important (avoid stress and pressure as much as possible or at least take regular relaxation breaks, such as meditating, massaging, sauna, listening to relaxing music, taking a basic bath, targeted breathing exercises, yoga, etc.)
* Sufficient sleep (the immune system produces immune cells during resting phases)
* A healthy digestive system (80 percent of all immune cells are located in the intestine, which is why it is extremely important for a strong immune system)
* By supplying nutrients (such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc), the immune defenses are significantly strengthened.
* Wash hands regularly and thoroughly (to prevent disease-causing pathogens from entering the face and mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose)
* Alternating showers (this stimulates the autonomic nervous system, thereby improving immune defense)
* Regular ventilation (about 20 degrees Celsius and oxygen saturation are conducive to the normal function of the body's own defense system. Air that is too warm or too cold burdens the immune defenses)
* Laugh a lot: according to studies, laughter activates T-cells and natural killer cells. They are responsible for defending against viruses and bacteria. Laughter also reduces stress.

Immune System and Oxidation

Oxidative stress is known (in orthomolecular medicine) to be one of the main causes of overload of the immune and nervous systems. In short, oxidation can be imagined as an overproduction of energy in cells caused by stress (work, extreme sports, anxiety, conflicts, etc.). Here, free radicals are produced in excess, which the body can no longer compensate for. This exposes cells and human tissue to an additional burden that is not always immediately and automatically felt.

Important Vitamins and Nutrients for the Immune System

Crystalline Anabolic Amino Acids

From a purely biochemical perspective, the 21 constructive amino acids play a fundamental role in the immune system. They are not only the basic building blocks for antibodies or messenger substances, for example, but also essential components of a cell that it needs for its functionality. If we obtain all 8 essential amino acids in a concentrated, anabolic, crystalline, and amphoteric form, the body can complete the 21 constructive amino acids from them. From this, it takes the amino acids it currently needs in the immune system, like from a buffet – such as lysine for herpes. Since essential amino acids usually occur together in nature – oats, buckwheat, eggs, legumes, meat, etc. – people with herpes or infections do not only have an L-lysine deficiency but a deficiency in several amino acids. Consequently, it also makes sense to supplement the entire spectrum of the eight essential amino acids.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D has numerous functions in our organism and thus also for our immune system. It can be produced by the body itself with the help of sunlight, but not between September and April, because the sun's position in Central Europe is too low then, and even in summer, UV radiation after 4 PM is too weak to produce Vitamin D ourselves. Therefore, it is important to take a high-quality food supplement with Vitamin D during this time, because an adequate supply cannot be ensured through food alone. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, elderly people, shift workers, dark-skinned individuals, smokers, and veiled individuals should pay particular attention to their Vitamin D levels.

Vitamin C

This most well-known vitamin not only supports the immune system but also helps against fatigue. Furthermore, this water-soluble vitamin supports the normal function of blood vessels through collagen formation. In addition, it is also important for our antioxidant protection system: it helps to protect cells from oxidative stress and to recycle spent vitamin E. It also increases the absorption of iron.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is primarily known as the vitamin for "good eyes". However, it also supports the mucous membranes, including those of the nose and throat, from within. Healthy mucous membranes form an important protective shield against environmental pathogens. Vitamin A also plays an essential role in the renewal of blood cells. This fat-soluble vitamin should always be consumed with a meal.

Zinc

Zinc is the second most abundant trace element in the body after iron and is required for numerous biochemical processes. It is an important immune nutrient and also part of one of the most important systems that protects against oxidative stress at the cellular level. Due to better tolerability and absorption, zinc preparations should preferably be consumed in the evening.

Iron

This trace element is important for our energy balance and contributes significantly to the function of the immune system. Lethargy and fatigue are signs of a reduced iron level. When consuming iron supplements, it is important to ensure that they are never eaten at the same time as dairy products, green or black tea. However, simultaneous consumption with vitamin C increases absorption into the body. Vegetarians and vegans, women of childbearing age, pregnant and breastfeeding women, athletes, children and adolescents, and seniors have an increased need and should pay particular attention to a good iron supply.

Selenium

Selenium is a component of many enzymes and proteins. Selenium supports the normal function of our immune system and helps protect our cells from oxidative stress. This vital trace element is also involved in many reactions in the body. Selenium can be found, for example, in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts or lentils. In plant-based foods, the selenium content varies depending on the content in the soil. In Europe, soils are poor in selenium.

"Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food."

Hippocrates, Greek physician, born 460 BC

Nutrients as Building Blocks of Health

Dr. Linus Pauling was clearly inspired by Hippocrates' philosophy of life in the 1970s and investigated the effect of sometimes highly dosed nutrients on human health. He thus developed and laid the foundation for orthomolecular medicine, as it has already been practiced for several decades in the umbrella organization.

As early as 1968, the two-time Nobel laureate formulated the basic principle of orthomolecular medicine:

"Orthomolecular medicine aims to preserve good health and treat diseases by altering the concentrations of substances in the human body that are normally present in the body and are necessary for health."

We at VITAmin believe that orthomolecular medicine should be, and will be in the future, an important component of modern medicine. Many doctors, naturopaths, and therapists have been using the approach of orthomolecular medicine for years as a supportive measure.

FAQ