Healthy immune system
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Understanding a Healthy Immune System
Importance of a Well-Functioning Immune System
A healthy immune system is essential for survival, as it constantly monitors for signs of invasion or danger and distinguishes between harmful and innocuous non-self molecules1. The immune system's primary role is to protect the body from infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites10. It also eliminates abnormal pre-cancerous and cancerous cells, ensuring overall health10.
Components of the Immune System
Innate and Adaptive Immunity
The immune system comprises two main types of responses: innate (natural) and adaptive (acquired). Innate responses are immediate and non-specific, involving cells like neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells, as well as molecular components such as complement proteins and cytokines4 5. Adaptive responses, on the other hand, improve with repeated exposure to specific pathogens, involving the proliferation of specialized cells that remember and target specific invaders4 7.
Immunocytes and Their Roles
Immunocytes, or immune cells, play specialized roles in defending against infections. These include phagocytic cells that engulf pathogens, cells that release inflammatory mediators, and cells that directly kill infected or abnormal cells6. The balance and proper functioning of these cells are crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system6.
Nutritional Influence on Immune Function
Role of Macronutrients and Micronutrients
Adequate nutrition is pivotal for a robust immune system. Macronutrients and micronutrients, including vitamins (such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and folic acid) and minerals (such as magnesium, zinc, and selenium), are essential for maintaining immune balance1 3. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to compromised immunity, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases3.
Impact of Natural Ingredients
Several natural ingredients have potent immunomodulatory properties. Bioactive compounds from plants, fungi, and other natural sources, such as polyphenols, terpenoids, and β-glucans, enhance immune responses by increasing the activity of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils3. Probiotics and prebiotics also play a role in reducing intestinal inflammation and regulating immune responses3.
Immune System Equilibrium
Dynamic Equilibrium Model
The immune system operates in a state of dynamic equilibrium, constantly balancing between different types of responses to maintain homeostasis2. This equilibrium is influenced by both the internal milieu and the microbial environment. Disruptions in this balance can lead to immune disequilibrium, resulting in conditions such as tolerance, protective immunity, and inflammatory pathologies2.
Conclusion
A healthy immune system is a complex and dynamic network that protects the body from infections and diseases. It relies on a balance between innate and adaptive responses, the proper functioning of immunocytes, and adequate nutrition. Understanding the factors that influence immune function, including diet and natural ingredients, can help in maintaining a robust immune system and overall health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Diet and Immune Function
Dietary modulation of immune function can reduce or delay the onset of immune-mediated chronic diseases, benefiting both clinical settings and healthy populations.
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedImmunity by equilibrium
The healthy immune system is always active and in a dynamic equilibrium between antagonistic types of response, regulated by internal milieu and microbial environment, affecting tolerance, protective immunity, and inflammatory pathology.
Highly CitedNatural Ingredients to Improve Immunity
Natural ingredients, such as plants, fungi, and melatonin, can enhance immunity by containing bioactive phytoconstituents and reducing intestinal inflammation.
The Immune System
Innate responses are innate responses that occur regardless of the infectious agent's presence, while acquired responses improve on repeated exposure to a given infection.
Highly CitedThe Immune System: Basis of so much Health and Disease: 2. Innate Immunity.
Innate immunity is the body's primary defense mechanism against infections, and a healthy immune system is essential for maintaining dental and oral health.
The Immune System: Basis of so much Health and Disease: 4. Immunocytes.
A healthy immune system is essential for maintaining dental and oral health, and understanding its cells (immunoglobulins) is crucial for dental clinicians.
The Immune System: Basis of so much Health and Disease: 3. Adaptive Immunity.
A healthy immune system is essential for maintaining dental and oral health, and understanding its basic functions is crucial for dental clinicians.
An overview of the immune system
The immune system plays a crucial role in host defense by recognising, repelling, and eradicating pathogens and foreign molecules, with underactivity leading to severe infections and tumors, and overactivity leading to allergic and autoimmune diseases.
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