Infections, bacteria, and other invaders daily strive to enter the human body, and most of these are stopped by the body’s most resistant wall: the immune system.

The main function of this natural defense is to attack harmful entities that enter the human body, destroying them completely and thus guaranteeing the health of the individual.

The more normal a person’s immune system is, the more likely they are to have better defenses against bacteria and infections. The good news is that there are many actions we can take to improve our immune system, so it is largely up to you to have solid protection against external threats.

But before we dive into the concrete strategies that will help us cultivate a strong and efficient immune system, let’s first answer the main question:

What is the immune system?

Imagine an army of bacteria and infections that are scattered everywhere and that are intended to attack you. Faced with this scenario of defenselessness, the main weapon our body has is the immune system.

It is a set of tissues, organs, molecules, cells and proteins that act in a coordinated way to prevent microorganisms and germs that enter human beings from affecting their health.

This work is daily, repetitive and constant. Every day the immune system fights against various invaders and does so in a very harmonious and efficient way, completely eliminating any trace of threat.

The great protagonists of the immune system are leukocytes, also known as white blood cells. Two different types of leukocytes (lymphocytes and phagocytes) participate in this system, working as a team with one goal: to find harmful entities and destroy them.

Coordinated trip

White blood cells are present in various areas of the body, specifically in the organs and lymphatic tissues. Through blood and lymphatic vessels, leukocytes travel the entire body in search of elements that may be dangerous, those that are the focus of diseases.

Given the characteristics of their transport path, white blood cells have the ability to reach the most remote places in the body. That is why they are considered true seekers and neutralizers of threats in the human body.

White blood cells fulfill another very important function: once they have destroyed the threat, they create antibodies. Thanks to the latter, any other attack by the same pathogen is immediately annihilated.

3 factors that affect the immune system

Stress

Stress negatively affects our health in a transversal way, and is one of the main factors that affect the immune system.

This state of the individual can be the cause of other complex conditions, such as the formation of clots in the blood vessels (thrombosis) or depressions. Any of these diseases can greatly weaken the immune system.

Lack of sleep

Several studies indicate that people who sleep less than six hours a day are more likely to suffer from different diseases, especially viruses and other infectious conditions.

People who get fewer hours of sleep also take longer to recover from illness. Likewise, it has been determined that the cells and antibodies that are in charge of fighting harmful microorganisms are less present when individuals sleep little.

Feeding

You may have heard before that the best remedy for a powerful immune system is a good diet, and it is true. But what makes a good diet?

Basically, a good diet is balanced, varied and healthy, and it is so relevant that it directly influences the health of people in general.

So, proteins and vegetables must be an essential part of the diet (always in convenient proportions), and fats from sausages and red meat must be reduced to the maximum, as they are important factors that affect the immune system.

The best teas to improve your immune system

In addition to taking care of your diet, avoiding permanent stressful situations, having at least eight hours of quality sleep and exercising on a daily basis, you can also go to the roots and herbs found in nature and that have a positive effect on strengthening of the immune system.

There are many infusions that will raise your defenses and leave your immune system ready to face the threats that arise. Here we will recommend some of the best teas to improve your immune system:

Ginger tea

Ginger roots are among the most famous when it comes to self-defense of the body. This is thanks to gingerol, the active substance in this root that directly helps fight infectious conditions.

To drink this tea, just crush a few pieces of fresh ginger roots and dip them in boiling water. After the mixture rests for about 5 minutes, it can be strained and swallowed throughout the day.

Echinacea tea

Another of the stars of the immune system in echinacea, a plant that has a positive impact on the amount of leukocytes and has important anti-inflammatory properties.

Although there are some studies that question the immunological work of this plant, there does seem to be a consensus regarding the relief of symptoms directly associated with infectious diseases.

This infusion is prepared by mixing a teaspoon of echinacea (it can be the root or the leaves) with boiling water. After washing, you can take this infusion up to twice a day.

Thyme tea

If you are looking for a tea to improve your immune system, thyme is ideal. Its properties are remarkable: antioxidant, antiseptic, disinfectant, high in iron, promoting the circulatory system, mucolytic and expectorant. Without a doubt, thyme is one of the kings of immune system cultivation.

How to take the thyme infusion? Take a few sprigs of thyme, pour them into a saucepan with boiling water and add a little honey. Once the mixture has warmed up, strain it and enjoy: your immune system will appreciate it.

Our immune system is always in constant defense as it interacts with different pathogens.

It is an important and necessary system to keep us free from infections and diseases. Therefore, it is extremely important that you keep working with your normal functionality so that you are able to deal with any foreign viruses, bacteria and pathogens.

It is important that you keep your immune system working well.

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