7 Facts You Need to Know about Your Immune System

Lisa Franchi November 03, 2016

Many people rarely think about their immune system until they have gotten a bug. But having a strong immune system plays a big role in preventing various kinds of diseases, particularly those that are caused by viruses and bacteria. You’ve probably heard about the horrible effects of Zika, Ebola, and other viruses. While cure isn’t available yet for most of them, an effective way to prevent them is to strengthen your immunity.

Here are some facts about your immune system that will make you appreciate it and care for it more:

Your gut drives your immune system.

Few people are aware that 70 per cent of the cells that make up your immune system are located in the lining of your digestive tract. The gastrointestinal tract in the gut is responsible for sweeping away toxins that cause inflammation and cell damage. So how do you improve your gut health and immunity? The answer is simple: eat clean. By eating clean means eating foods that nourish your body and bring essential nutrients to it. You know what these foods are. Fill yourself with foods that are rich in fibre and low in sugar.

Women are more likely to have autoimmune disease.

Unfortunately, women are more likely to suffer from autoimmune diseases than men. And according to experts, hormones like oestrogen are to blame. Basically, our immune system has sex hormone receptors that oestrogen binds to. This results to inflammation that causes the immune system to go overdrive.

Sex boosts your immunity.

Yes. So now you have another reason to make love with your hubby. One study revealed that people who had sex once or twice a week had 30 per cent more immunoglobulin - a protein in the blood that helps defend against colds.

Sleep and rest are highly important.

It’s not enough that you are eating clean. To boost your immune system, it is equally important that you get your daily dose of rest and sleep. People who are chronically stressed tend to have poor immunity levels. Clocking fewer than six hours of shuteye per night can greatly pull down your immunity. While you sleep, your body organs get to recuperate and more T-cells are produced in your blood.

Flu shot is best taken in the morning.

You know that getting a flu shot is one quick way to prevent yourself from contracting a flu especially during its peak season. But did you know that the time you get a jab is an important factor for its effectiveness? One study shows that people who got vaccinated between 9 am and 11 am had significantly higher levels of the antibodies for two flu strains one month later than those who received shots between 3 pm and 5 pm. So if you are getting a flu shot, better go to your GP early.

Certain foods are best for immunity.

When it comes to strengthening your immune system, there are foods that should always be in your list. They include those that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as garlic and turmeric, green tea, apple, and chicken soup. You may also want to enjoy fermented foods like yogurt and kefir as they are rich in probiotics - the good bacteria that keep the balance in your gut flora.

Try herbs and supplements.

Certain herbs and spices contain natural compounds that are known to fight inflammation in the body and boost immunity. Drinking herbal tea instead of fizzy drinks or coffee may be a good diet tweak to strengthen your immune system. Adding herbs and spices to your daily cooking can be beneficial too! You can also take supplements, especially vitamin C.

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