What Is Immunity?

Immunity (lat. Immanitas – liberation from duties) is an ability of body to resist infections and toxins. Immune system is most important system in human body. Immunity protects body not only from microbes that provoke infectious diseases but also from genetically foreign cells (parasites, enthetic tissues and even cancerous cells). Immunity to infectious diseases shows in several forms.

Natural immunity appears without conscious human intervention. It may be innate or adaptive.

1. Innate immunity (inherent immunity) is determined by characteristics transmitted heritably which are common to particular species. This is biological peculiarity of a specie which is resistant to particular infections. For example, humans never get infected with distempers and, instead, dogs never get infected with typhoid fever. Children in their first months of life have natural immunity to measles, scarlet fever, and diphtheria, which is connected with retention of protective antibodies that he got from mother who was diseased with them in past.

2. Adaptive immunity (acquired immunity) results from body reaction to entering of microbes in the body. It occurs after infectious disease or results from latent inflammatory process. Acquired natural immunity after ones infectious disease persists for a long time, sometimes for life (typhoid fever, chicken pox, measles, etc), and sometimes for a short time (influenza, etc). Immune system “remembers” all microorganisms which it faced before. Antibodies against them remain in the body for a long time or even for life. So when the microbe enters the body again, the immune system already knows how to fight it and as a result the disease courses in more mild form.

3. Artificial immunity appears after injecting vaccines or serum. Vaccination is performed routinely independently from morbidity rate. Serum with antibodies is used to provide rapid activation of immunity when infection has already occurred. The duration of artificial immunity is less than of natural immunity. Serum provides the duration of 2 – 3 weeks, and vaccines from several months to 5 – 8 years.

Obligatory vaccines are vaccines against tuberculosis, measles, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, etc. Routinely are made vaccines to particular population groups, for example, vaccines against intestinal infections to workers of food enterprises, child-care centres, etc. In particular terms vaccines are made again (revaccinaction).

ARVI (Acute Respiratory Viral Infection)

ARVI (commonly known as cold) is a widespread virus disease of upper respiratory tract. Major symptoms: running nose, cough, sneezing, headache, sore throat, fatigue. ARVI is most common infectious disease in developed countries where in average an adult gets sick 2- 3 times a year and a child 6 – 10 times.

ARVI may be caused by a number of agents including 5 different groups of viruses (parainfluenza virus, influenza virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, reovirus) and over 300 their subtypes. All of them are infectious and are transmitted via airborne and are not treated with antibiotics. Also ARVI is transmitted via body contact, for example, during hand shaking.

At the onset of the disease virus is multiplied in nose, nasopharynx, throat showing with gripes, running nose, irritation and dry cough. Body temperature usually is not increased. Sometimes in this process are involved mucous of eyes and gastrointestinal ones.

Then virus enters the blood and causes symptoms of common intoxication: chill, headache, acute pains in back and limbs. Activation of immunity response helps body to produce antibodies to the virus, after which blood gradually becomes clean from virus and then symptoms of intoxication decrease.

At he final stage of the disease occurs respiratory tract cleaning from epithelium damaged by virus which shows with running nose and humid cough.

Treatment and prevention
Prevention against ARVI mainly consists of general health improvement, body strengthening, immune system stimulation, regular exercises, taking vitamins, consuming healthy food, fruits and vegetables. When epidemic occurs, it is necessary to abstain from visiting public places , avoid close contacts with diseased people and wash hands more frequently. And same rules for diseased people – they should take a sick day, not visit public places, avoid contacts with healthy people and wear flu mask.

ARVI treatment commonly is symptomatic: plentiful warm drinking (not hot), taking vitamin C. You should know that taking antibiotics without doctor's recommendation is strongly prohibited because they do not have any effect on viruses and instead they get immunity down and cause disbacteriosis. It is not recommended to take antifebriles and painkillers when temperature is below 38 degrees C because moderate body temperature increase is a natural protective reaction of human body which helps immunity to fight viruses. When comes to antifebrile taking, patient should take Ibuprofen, most safe and effective medication today.

Use anti-viral medications to treat and prevent ARVI.

Air Conditioning Dangers

With the onset of summer heat increases demand for air conditioners that save us from unbearable heat। People who spend all hot summer days indoors do especially count on air conditioners. However you should not forget that everything is not so simple. Air conditioner not only “ping-pongs” air and changes it from hot into chilly one, but also puts human body to a serious test because it is a kind of accumulator of various pathogenic bacteria.

In air conditioners get settled microbes including atypical germs. Are known cases of spreading of legionnaires disease (this is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called legionela which results in severe form of pneumonia) via conditioning system. Today specialists also talk about additional noise and vibration which do affect human vestibular system.

People with chronic diseases should be more careful with air conditioners. In people with such chronic diseases as sinusitis or chronic bronchitis, artificial chill and drop of temperature cause aggravation of chronic diseases. But in healthy people conditioner may cause mucous edema of chronic nature.

Fungi may be found in equipment when in the room is not performed qualitative cleaning. Animal dander and fluff from floor coating. If you have pets at home, their dander do obstruct conditioner. Conditioner in the kitchen accumulates fats.

Experts advice to clean conditioner regularly once a year in order to keep your family healthy. New conditioner must be cleaned for the first time in three years after starting its using. Then it must be cleaned once every year. Cleaning must be performed in winter.

However, it must be said that cleaning is not plaster for all sores. Specialists recommend to switch on “chillers” for 10 – 15 minutes before getting started - this reduces greatly concentration of bacteria in conditioner. You should not abuse chilling and should not use it without particular need. What is comfortable for you is not necessarily healthful. Such preventive measures as smearing nose with oxolinic ointment in this case do not work.

You should be very careful with your health in summer. If you and your co-workers frequently cough and feel bad then you should go to the doctor. Raised body temperature is a sign that in the respiratory organs occurs inflammation and you should pay serious attention at this sign. Temperature drops between street and office must be minumal.

For sure, when you cannot stand unbearable heat, you seek rooms with chill and forget about all precautionary measures. It is difficult to work with only thought about chilly place. Remember that here the talk is not just about stuffy nose, back pains, otitis, here also talk is about death.

Why Nutrition Is Important

Vitamin A is most important vitamin which stimulates cells growth, participates in formation of leucocytes, helps to maintain epithelium and mucosa healthy. Vitamin A is first barrier on the way of deleterious invaders. Vitamin A is an antioxidant and this is an additional advantage. It is found in milk, dairy cream, butter, natural fish-oil, liver (beef, cod, chicken), salmon, eel, eggs.

In vegetables and fruits is found provitamin A (beta-carotene). Butter helps to transform beta-carotene into vitamin A. Carotene strenghtens immune system. Therefore it is recommended to get also “animal” vitamin A and “vegetative” beta-carotene, and generally all group of carotinoids. They are found in green and orange vegetables and fruits: carrot, pumpkin, paprika, spinach, mango, persimmon, parsley, broccoli and fennel. Daily norm is 15 – 30 mg (two big carrots).

Vitamin C is most popular vitamin when influenza epidemic occurs. It helps to interferon production in the body. It is also an antioxidant. Vitamin C prevents other vitamins from break-up. Do not wait the moment you get diseased. In winter when you are healthy drink tea with lemon, drink each morning fresh orange juice! Make it a rule eating every day one orange or kiwi, big pieces of spinach or cauliflower. The less time you spend on processing food the better vitamin C is kept because it is a cranky vitamin. Vitamin C is found in blacberries, green sweet pepper,, grapefruit.

Zinc, as vitamin C, is also recommended to take when do appear first signs of influenza. Sea foods and oysters are rich with zinc. Consume these products several times a week and this will help to maintain body defenses. Zinc may be found in liver and beef. Those who do not consume meat may find zinc in nuts, pea soup, wheat germs, buckwheat porridge, mushrooms, garlic.

Each clove of garlic contains several dozens of biologically active components such as phytoncids (volatile compounds who kill viruses and bacteria). Garlic activates production of immune cells and thus helps to protect the body. The decensies prevent us from eating garlic at any time in any place. However, there are many recepies that you may prepare with garlic.

Your immune system will be not only ready to meet viruses but to fight them if you consume these products:
- two big carrots or dish of spinach; one sweet pepper or two persimmons (daily carotine norm)
- bite of beef or pork liver or 100g Dutch cheese; 70g smoked eel or table-spoon of fish oil (daily norm of vitamin A);
- handful of blacberries, kiwi, orange, dish of cauliflower, 7 backed potatoes (daily norm of vitamin C);
- 110g wheat germs or 150g veal liver (daily zinc norm);

How To Maintain Immune System With Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a real fortress for immune system protection. It increases infinitely immune system capabilities. Vitamin E prevents cells from harmless action of new radicals, increases work of white blood cells, increases number of Interleukin 2 (substance promoting growth of T cells). Also it prevents from formation of prostaglandin E – substance that naturally is formed in the body which suppresses immune system work.

Vitamin E being an antioxidant is found in vegetable oil, nuts and sunflower seeds. However, in order to maintain daily dose of Vitamin E it is not enough to consume just food products rich with this vitamin because it provides only 20 ME of vitamin E daily. Optimal dose of Vitamin E must be 100 ME daily.

Consume less fats. Experiments on animals showed that food containing 40% calories due to fats is harmful for the immune system. So reduce fats consumption by 25% calories. For that purpose consume fat-free dairy foods or products with low oil content. Remove skin and visible fat from meat, reduce consumption of bird, fish and red meat to 100 g daily. Include in your daily menu six dishes from groats (bread, beans, rice) and five kinds of vegetables and fruits (apples, pears, cauliflower, spinach).

Iron
Iron is a vital catalyzer helping the immune system to stop invasion of viruses and stop development of cancerous cells. Most people need 10 mg of iron daily. Dinner consisting of 100 g of cooked meat, grilled potatoes of average size and half cup of beans contains more than 7 mg of iron. Iron is found in oysters, chicken meat, porkmeat and green vegetables. Do not rely on special supplements with iron if they are not prescribed by your doctor. Iron overload may cause diarrhea, skin color change, liver cirrhosis and diabetes.

Magnesium
Some studies show that magnesium deficiency makes immune system “aggressive”: it fights healthy cells which causes development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Magnesium drugs are recommended for people who take diuretics and blood pressure lowering drugs because they do withrowal magnesium from the body. Excess amount of alcohol has the same effects. Healthy people need to consume 350 mg of magnesium without additional supplements. Consume regularly salads, potatoes, unmilled grains, milk and marine products.

Selenium
Selenium has antioxidant features and is known for its anticancerous effects. It maintains immune system when it needs to fight infection. Adequate nutrition helps to get enough selenium. It is required to consume 70 mcg. You get 138 mcg of selenium when you eat one sandwitch with tuna. Selenium is found in all kinds of fishes, crabs, oysters and unmilled grains. However, big dozes of selenium may damage immune system. So when you take selenium supplements do not exceed 200 mcg.

Vitamins To Maintain Immunity

Nutrition is directly related to immunity. Specific nutrients play particular role in immunity change. Here are some recommendations on taking vitamins and minerals which help to maintain immunity at any age.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A strengthens superficial layer of skin preventing fissure formation through which microbes may enter the body. This vitamin also prevents development of cancerous growths which is connected with stimulatory effects on white blood cells. However, overmuch vitamin A may be toxic for the body. It is better to get daily rate of vitamin A from food than from special drugs. It is recommended to consume 1000 micrograms of it daily For example, a half of new potato contains double daily rate of vitamin A. Also you may find vitamin A in liver, carrot, spinach, cauliflower, lettuce, apricots and watermelon.

Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene transforms into vitamin A in human body. This antloxidant helps to fight free radicals and intensifies capabilities of immune system to fight cancerous diseases. Just as vitamin A, beta-carotine may be found in carrot, spinach, cauliflower and lettuce. Unlike vitamin A, beta-carotene is not toxic and it may be taken as an supplement to foods. It is recommended to take 6 – 9 mg of beta-carotine daily.

Vitamin B6
When older people consume food with low rate of vitamin B6, their immunity becomes much weaker. Dose increase helps to restore immunity to a normal level. It is necessary to consume more than 1.5 mg of vitamin B6 daily.

In order to get 2 mg of vitamin B6 you should eat big bananas daily. Other sources of vitamin B6 are chicken meat, fish, liver, rice, avocado, walnuts, wheat and sunflower seeds. Large dozes (1000 – 2000 mg daily) of vitamin B6 may be toxic.

Vitamin C

Practically vitamin C provides great aid to each part of immune system. Vitamin C prevents viruses from multiplying, increases attacking drive of cells that fight cancerous diseases. Oranges, strawberries, cauliflower, paprika are perfect sources of vitamin C. Normally it is necessary to consume 500 – 1000 mg of vitamin C daily.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is good for bones strengthening and that is its major function in the body, because immune system cells are developed in bone marrow. The recommended dose of vitamin D is 5 microgrames. One glass of pure milk contains approximately 10 ME, also it may be found in cheese. In human body vitamin D develops under action of sun rays. Ultraviolet accelerates development of vitamin D from a substance in the skin. In summer it is enough to spend 10 - 15 minutes in the sun to get necessary daily doze of vitamin D. Large dozes of vitamin D may be toxic, therefore, health care providers do not recommend it to take it in form of supplemental drugs.

Keep Your Immune System Strong

A number of scientists claim that weak immune system is a result of natural aging process. Dr. Fillips says that it is enough just to change lifestyle to make immunity much stronger. “Eventually, the way we take care of our heath determines the way our immunity system takes care of us.” Here are the ways you may keep your immune system strong.

Eliminate Stress
From the earliest times scholars suspected stress to weaken immune system. At present time, there are many proves of this theory. An experiment was made. Four hundred volunteers used nose drops with virus of catarrhal disease, and group of 26 volunteers used placebo (i.e. drops without virus). Then in both groups was measured stress level in their blood and then they got new dozes of vaccine. As a result, in people with high stress level the probability to get diseased was two times higher than in those who had low stress level. In group of 26 people no one got diseased.

Scientists say that stress contributes to steroid hormones production in atrabiliary capsules which suppress activity of immune system. It is up to you to choose how to fight stress. You should begin with next activities: play with your children, pets, work in the garden, etc. Also you may meditate, practice yoga or read an interesting book.

Have Enough Sleep
“Sleep is a repair shop of immune system” - says Dr. Fillips. During sleep you rest with your body and mind but your immune system keeps working. It must guard your health but it requires less energy to strengthen defense mechanisms. Insufficient sleep has negative effects on your immune system. Scientists have stated that when people lose 3 or 4 hours of their sleep, their immune system activity reduces by 30%.  The conclusion is that you must sleep not less than 6 – 8 hours a day.

Quit Smoking
Tobacco smoke contains formaldehyde, a substance that paralyzes macrophages in lungs. This makes human more vulnerable to the diseases of upper respiratory tract including influenza. So you should give up smoking if you smoke.

Make Regular Exercises
Moderate physical activity prevents from microbes assembly in lungs and strengthens immune system which helps to accelerating of antibodies circulation in blood. In order to keep your immune system strong you should practice aerobics, walk, jog, swim or ride a bike 20 minutes a day.