If the immune system is strong, it will fight any infection: whether parasitic, bacterial or viral. So what can be done to strengthen immunity?
What is immunity?
The body's immunity is the complex of its ability to defend itself against pathogens, bacteria, viruses, toxins, as well as mutated cells.
The immune system, or immune system, is one of the most important systems of the human body, as it protects against the development of disease and the action of pathological microorganisms or toxins.
It includes:
- Lymphoid organs bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, appendix,
- lymphatic vessels,
- cells of the immune system,
- antibodies.
Human immunity is divided into innate and acquired immunity. Innate immunity accompanies man from the moment of birth,
but it can also be acquired as a result of natural contact with the antigen, following administration of a vaccine or specific antibodies. Acquired immunity is activated when innate immunity has failed.
What influences the decline in immunity?
Lowered immunity is very often linked to an inadequate lifestyle. Little exercise, prolonged sitting or lying down, a poor diet low in antioxidants and vitamins or the use of stimulants all have a significant impact on its decline. The immune system is also adversely affected by too little sleep. Chronic diseases, stress, insufficient water supply and even the weather can also be a cause.
Ways to boost immunity - bathing in icy water
Bathing in icy cold water, known as walrushing, is an increasingly popular form of improving the body's condition. Already the ancient Romans were keen to indulge in water treatments and Hippocrates, recommended cooling the body as a remedy for pain, bleeding and swelling.
After a short period of thermal shock from a cold bath, protective processes in the form of thermogenesis are triggered.
From a study by researchers Arcaro, Siems and Bittel, there is an increase in leukocytes, monocytes and interleukin in people who use ice baths.
Ways to boost immunity - cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a well-known a form of therapywhich aims, among other things, to improve the general wellbeing and performance of the body. According to a study by a Polish group of scientists published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology in 2009, cryostimulation treatments contribute to a significant increase in the levels of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils. As can be seen, systemic cryotherapy mobilises the forces of the immune system.
Sauna for immunity
Sauna is not only a positive effect on emotional state. Research results show, the positive effects of sauna on hypertension, arrhythmia, headaches and lipid profile. It also removes muscle tension and reduces stress levels.
According to research, the sauna can also stimulate the body to fight back and is worth using to improve the body's immune response, closely linked to the state of the autonomic system.
Kneipp methods
Sebastian Kneipp was one of the greatest proponents of healthy lifestyles and water therapy treatments. To dissolve toxins, he recommended steam baths, inhalations and warm herbal baths, while his strengthening measures included cold baths, dousing, dousing and various types of hardening agents. He recommended walking on grass and in fresh snow as one way of toughening up.
Osteopathy
The field of osteopathy also includes what is known as GOT, or General Osteopathic Treatment, an immune-enhancing therapy developed by John Martin Littlejohn. This therapy is performed by means of movements of specific areas of the patient's body, the quality of which is assessed by the osteopath. These movements are in the form of rhythmic abductions. A lot of space in GOT therapy is devoted to lymphatic techniques, aimed at improving the function of the immune system. There are also studies confirming their effectiveness.
Other ways to boost immunity
For centuries, the following have been used to boost the body's immunity herbal preparations, from aloe vera, nettle, root, ginseng, lime, garlic, onion, curry, oregano, red pepper or ginger. It has also been found that the strength of immunity also depends on the daily intake of vitamins and minerals, so attention should be paid to the daily diet. It is worth reaching for products rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and antioxidants.
