What is bolstered immunity? In short, it's about strengthening your body's immune system to better defend against illnesses and infections. A robust immune system can help ward off common bugs like colds and flu, as well as more serious conditions.
There are a few key ways to give your immunity a helpful boost:
- Eat immune-supporting foods - Feed your body plenty of citrus, berries, leafy greens, yogurt, garlic, ginger, and nuts/seeds. These provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and probiotics to reinforce immunity.
- Reduce stress - Chronic stress and insufficient sleep can actually weaken immune defenses. Practice good stress management techniques like meditation, moderate exercise, and getting those crucial zzz's.
- Supplement when lackluster - Many people have marginal nutrient deficiencies that hinder immunity. Targeted vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and probiotic supplements can help fill common gaps.
- Consider bioidentical hormones - Hormonal balance is pivotal for a thriving immune system. Imbalances of key hormones like DHEA, melatonin and testosterone are immuno-suppressive. Balance Hormone Clinic provides customized bioidentical hormone therapy to correct deficiencies and optimize hormonal health.
Now let's go into more detail on the mechanisms behind an empowered immune response:
How does the immune system work?
The immune system is an intricate network of organs, cells and proteins that protects us. Key components include:
- Lymph nodes - Bean-shaped glands that filter lymph fluid and house infection-fighting white blood cells.
- Thymus - An organ where T lymphocytes (white blood cells) mature.
- T and B lymphocytes - Specialized white blood cells that seek and destroy pathogens.
- Neutrophils - The most common type of white blood cell that eliminates bacteria and debris.
When a pathogen breaches the body's external barriers, this
multilayered defense system springs into action...
The rest of the immune response unfolds through a coordinated cascade of...
- Detection of the invader
- Cell signaling to sound the alarm
- Recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils
- Activation of B cells to produce targeted antibodies
- Cytotoxic T cell attack to contain infections
- Creation of memory cells that recognize the pathogen if exposed again
This sequence generates inflammation and symptoms, but is necessary to eradicate the trigger. Once eliminated, inflammation resolves and health is restored.
In summary, supporting each aspect of this intricate immunologic web is key for
reinforced immunity against illness and infection. Core pillars are nutrition, stress management, targeted supplementation and hormonal balance. Balance Hormone Clinic provides
expert bioidentical hormone treatments to help optimize foundational hormone levels linked to immune health. Consult with one of our specialists to see if our therapies are right for your needs!