Health is the most important thing we have. After the last global pandemic, it became clearer that we need to take care of ourselves every day, go for regular check-ups with our doctor, and maintain a balanced diet combined with constant exercise to have a strong immune system. But what is the immune system?
The immune system is responsible for protecting our body against any disease or infection to which we are exposed. And if we do get sick, it is responsible for eliminating the pathogens that attack us so that we can recover our health as quickly as possible. It is composed of a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together with the entire body and maintain a balance that can easily be disrupted if we do not take care of our health.
Its proper functioning is crucial for overall health, and for centuries, it has been demonstrated that many natural foods, such as herbs, roots, and plants, are allies in strengthening and modulating the immune system.
Adding these foods to a healthy diet will give you bioactives with good qualities, like antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and antimicrobial agents. These will help your body lower its chances of getting sick and fight off and lessen the effects that some pathogens, diseases, and oxidative stress have on your overall health.
The immune system is a silent worker that is on alert 24/7 to protect us. Its importance lies in the functions it performs to keep us healthy:
Every day we come into contact with millions of microorganisms in the environment. Most of these do not manage to cross the skin and mucous membranes that protect the nose, eyes, and mouth. However, some bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can enter our bodies and cause diseases. The immune system fights these microorganisms and prevents their spread, avoiding diseases.
Our body is composed of billions of cells that have countless functions. To maintain the body throughout its life cycle, cells divide to create more. In some cases, due to genetic defects, exposure to toxins, radiation, or other foreign elements, cells mutate or become damaged, leading to diseases such as cancer. The immune system is responsible for detecting these cells and destroying them to prevent the development of serious diseases or tumors or the damaged cells from affecting others.
A variety of cells make up the immune system, some of which store information about pathogens that have previously infected the body. This system is what vaccines take advantage of to generate immune cells that allow for a faster and more effective response to future exposures.
Protecting the immune system is key to health. Particularly in the current era, a global pandemic has highlighted our vulnerability. While no one is exempt from illnesses and there is a wide variety of internal and external factors that can affect health, we can make some adjustments to our lifestyle to maintain a healthy immune system.
Next, we will discuss some recommendations to improve your health:
Contact Mitogenesis’ immune system experts for more information. Our team will work together to provide you with the best health care, protect your immune system, and, if you suffer from CIRS, biotoxin illness, cancer, and other pathologies, we will plan a comprehensive treatment to improve your quality of life.
Including some herbs and roots in the diet can strengthen the immune system. These foods have been shown to have beneficial effects and improve overall health.
Some herbs contain nutrients and compounds that have the ability to balance the immune response. Modulation is key when it is necessary to stimulate cells to combat infections or regulate them to avoid autoimmune reactions (which harm the body).
Some herbs that are beneficial for this modulation are:
Echinacea is well-known for its immunostimulant properties, which aid in boosting the production of white blood cells and enhancing the activity of T cells and macrophages, which are responsible for eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. A regulated consumption of echinacea will strengthen the body against infections.
Its immunomodulatory effects have made it a popular choice in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is rich in polysaccharides, a molecule that stimulates the production of antibodies and strengthens its resistance to some pathogens.
This root has gained popularity in recent years and comes in a variety of forms. It has proven to be a food that modulates the immune response, mainly with NK cells. It also has a very important anti-inflammatory effect.
The natural process of cell oxidation can be reduced to extend cell life and function. This is where antioxidants play a key role. Antioxidants are key to protecting us from free radicals, which often weaken the immune system and accelerate aging.
In the traditional drink, as a supplement, in foods, or in any of its forms, green tea is rich in catechins, polyphenols, and flavonoids that help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
It is a widely used herb in culinary applications. Few people are aware that it contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid and carnosol, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It has a large number of compounds, but the most popular one is curcumin, a potent antioxidant that has been shown to protect cells from oxidative damage.
Inflammation is a common organic response in many conditions, including injuries, allergies, and poisonings, such as CIRS. However, if the inflammation is chronic, the immune system weakens, and the body becomes vulnerable to developing chronic and autoimmune diseases.
This food is rich in compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which promote the production of cytokines. These molecules reduce systemic inflammation, helping the body heal faster.
Its anti-inflammatory properties have been documented in several studies. In recent years, it has been recommended as an alternative to certain anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases.
It is high in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which help in modulating the inflammatory response.
Viruses, bacteria, and fungi are common microorganisms in the environment and can enter the body through food, inhalation, or skin wounds. Herbs with antimicrobial properties help combat these pathogens and strengthen natural immunity.
For centuries, people have used it in food, religious traditions, and herbalism. It has high levels of allicin, which grants antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Moderate use has demonstrated its effectiveness against respiratory and digestive infections.
Its main compounds, carvacrol and thymol, have antibacterial and antiviral properties. It has been found that it can help with respiratory and digestive infections.
The oil extracted from this spice is effective against different fungi and bacteria. In recent years, its effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant strains has been studied, with promising results.
There are different ways to introduce these herbs into your diet, such as infusions, extracts, supplements, essential oils, or incorporating them into your daily meals. However, it is important to take some precautions:
Medicinal herbs to strengthen the immune system have proven to be very effective. Many doctors recommend them, but you should always follow the advice of a healthcare specialist.
Act consciously; if you have any pre-existing conditions, do not abandon or modify your treatment without first consulting your doctor.
At Mitogenesis Regenerative Medicine, we can find a comprehensive strategy that can transform your life, alleviate inflammatory processes, and detoxify the body to improve overall well-being and quality of life.
If you wish to contact Dr. Mel Schottenstein at Mitogenesis or learn more about the treatments we offer, please call us or fill out a contact form with your information!
The Evidence for Herbal Supplements for Immunity and Stress During COVID-19 (https://www.ons.org/publications-research/voice/news-views/04-2020/evidence-herbal-supplements-immunity-and-stress)
Opportunities for Health Promotion: Highlighting Herbs and Spices to Improve Immune Support and Well-being (PMCID: PMC7815254 PMID: 33488303)
Natural Ingredients to Improve Immunity (PMCID: PMC10143734 PMID: 37111285)
Role of herbal medicine in boosting immune system (Role of herbal medicine in boosting immune system https://immunopathol.com/PDF/ipp-1-e01)
Reviewed by:
Dr. Mel Schottenstein
Naturopathic Doctor
NMD, MBE, MScN, FICT, FSCT
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of your physician or other health care professional. Do not use the information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.
