In my opinion, the immune system is far more complex than any other fleshly system except perhaps the nervous system but only if the brain is included. Every organ has immune system components included but the organs and areas primarily dedicated to immunity include the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, and tonsils. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system with responsibility for managing the distribution of bodily fluids as a complex drainage system.
The circulating soldier cells include three types of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes/macrophages. When a foreign substance is discovered, the lookout immune cells sound an alarm. The combat group ingests the intruders and alerts the signal corps to sound the alarm to bring in more troops a well as the bomb (antibody) makers to get busy. It sensitizes some cells for the future producing protection termed IMMUNITY. Injecting substances similar to a germ that does not make one sick producing antibody is a vaccination. Edward Jenner injected cowpox vaccine which did that and eventually cured the dreaded SMALLPOX in 1796.
During this hazardous time of Covid-19, its savvy to get personal immune systems honed and ready to protect. This is especially important in older folks and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Foremost, there is ample scientific evidence that moderate regular exercise for 30 minutes will tune-up immunity. After all, exercise causes muscle modifications that the immune system repairs; consider it training drills for the white cells.
Foods with especially high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity include phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols which are in veggies and fruits. WebMD lists apples, apricots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, garlic, legumes, onions, red peppers, soybeans, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes as being highest. They also list oysters, yum, as having zinc. Zinc is a mineral that BOOSTS the immune system. One of the best boosters is garlic. SO EAT UP.
Cold-Eeze OTC lozenges are a clinically proven tactic to reduce the detriment of colds and some colds are from COVID. Cold-Eeze has not been tested with the novel COVID but is what could help. I start it whenever I begin to feel out of sorts.
Make your overall bodily functioning better with a healthy lifestyle which includes adequate sleep. Also, stress is not good for immunity. Reduce it by thinking positive thoughts: be gratified that you are well and realize the odds are remarkably in your favor. If you are free from COVID, you are among 99%. BE CAUTIOUS BUT RELAX.
There are some vitamins and minerals that boost immune systems including vitamins C and D among others. Vitamin D is important now because in one study vitamin D levels were measured in patients hospitalized for COVID and those with low levels had more serious courses. Of course, these vitamin levels must not be excessive. 1,000 IU of vitamin D is good and the recommended C dose 65 to 90 milligrams daily. STAY HEALTHY.
