H E A LT H Y Y O U
Protect and Strengthen Your Immune System STORY MICHELLE JOHNS
MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT
Basic
quality of life has been challenged in the last two years in a way most of us have never known and never expected to experience. We are now more aware that we live in a constant state of survival as our daily well-being is threatened by COVID. Our bodies and minds are in constant preparation for fight or flight. While the most pressing and obvious threat facing us is COVID-19, daily interactions expose us to pathogens through viruses, bacteria and technology such as cell phones. All pose threats to our well-being. Our body considers anything unnatural to its environment a foreign invader and fights to preserve health and keep us alive. Anytime our well-being is threatened, our body’s immune system responds. The innate and adaptive immune systems are the two systems that work to defend the body when injury and illness present. The innate immune system responds first and if the attack moves past the innate system, the adaptive system steps in to stop the assault. The innate immune system is on constant watch for foreign invasion of the body. Every time it encounters an injury (such as a cut), a pathogen or any foreign invader it swiftly goes into action. It works in the same systematic manner every time. It does not have memory and its influence is limited as its response mechanisms are generalized and not specific. Most of the time, it is sufficient. The innate immune system uses defender white blood cells, the skin, mucus membranes (such as the lining of the nose), proteins and natural killer (NKs) cells to stop and eliminate invasive takeover. 78 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2022
Our adaptive immune system steps in when the innate system becomes overwhelmed. The adaptive immune system consists of B-cells, T-cells and antibodies. B-cells and T-cells are in the tissues between the cells. Antibodies are proteins and sugars located in the bloodstream. The adaptive immune system is not swift like the innate immune system. It works to counter the attack of the invader by getting to know the invader, which takes time. Sometimes it takes the adaptive immune system days to get to know the characteristics and makeup of the invader. Though it is slower to respond, it is more accurate (specific) and has memory. Its ability to remember a pathogen helps it to respond quicker the next time it encounters the invader. Sometimes, immunity is achieved. Daily activities and self-care routines can help your immune system fight faster and more efficiently against attacks and to recover from attacks. Taking care of your lymphatic system, respiratory system and gut health are great ways to strengthen the immune system. Lymphatic pathways run throughout the entire body. The lymphatic system creates and circulates immune cells (white blood cells in particular) through the bloodstream to help fight foreign invaders. The lymphatic system uses muscles to move lymph throughout the body. Contracting muscles helps lymph move. Following are a few ways to help your lymphatic system work efficiently.
