All about the Immune System

Immunity plays a pivotal role in our day to day life. 

A strong immune system protects the human body from harmful germs and many diseases. 

With COVID-19, the entire globe has started to spread hands on immunity. 

But there are still some questions unanswered in many minds.  

So, here we go, answering all about Immunity! 

Q: What is an immune system?

The human immune system is a convoluted network of cells and proteins- keeps a trial of every microbe that has ever attacked the body- that defends the body against the manifold of infections. 

Q: What is immunity?

It is the ability of an organism to abide an infection by the action of specific antibodies. 

Q: What is auto-immunity?

The immune responses by the human body against any antigen on its own cells or tissues is known as autoimmunity or self immunity. 

This autoimmune reaction when proceeding in hyperbolic manners lead to an autoimmune disorder. 

Q: What is an autoimmune disorder?

It is an abnormal immune response to a functioning body part.  

Q: What are the contrasting types of autoimmune disorders? 

~ Rheumatoid arthritis 

~ Lupus 

~ Coeliac disease

~ Sjögren’s disease

~ Multiple sclerosis 

~ Polymyalgia rheumatica

~ Type1 Diabetes 

~ Vasculitis

~ Temporal arteristis and many more. 

Q: What is self and non-self immune system?

The body cells are referred to be self and foreign materials to be non-self. The immune system will react in the being of foreign materials leading to an immune response, stamping out the encroaching material from the body.

Q: How does the immune system tab self?

By the major histocompatibility complex- human leukocyte antigens (HLA), a group of identification molecules located on the surface of all cells in a merger, provide the means to the body to distinguish self from non-self.

Q: What regulates the immune system?

Helper T cells regulate both the innate and adaptive immune responses. 

Q: What are signs of a weak immune system?

~ High stress level

~ Common cold

~ Stomach troubles

~ Wounds heal too slow

~ Frequent infections

~ Tiredness 

Q: What are the types of Immunity? 

There are 4 types of Immunity: 

~ Active Immunity

This is derived from antibodies generated by the human body; in response to normal infections. 

~ Passive Immunity

This is derived from antibodies from another body, such as mother’s milk or artificial means like injections.

~ Natural Immunity

This is derived from antibodies generated from a normal infection. Includes antibodies provided by mother’s milk through their colostrum, that is the initial breastmilk.

~ Artificial Immunity

This is derived from antibodies generated by receiving antigens in a vaccine rather than a normal infection.

Q: Which type of cells are responsible for producing antibodies in the immune system?

There are two types of lymphocytes namely, B-cells and T-cells. 

The B cells produce antibodies that are used to attack invading bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

Q: How many antibodies can a person have?

Researches claim that- it is approximated that humans engender about 10 billion different antibodies. 

Q: What are the 5 antibodies?

Human antibodies are classified into five types, namely-

~ IgM

It is the largest antibody, playing a function to control B-cell activation.

~ IgD

It is made up of 1% protein, playing a function to signal the B-cells to get activated.

~ IgG

It represents 75% of serum antibodies in humans, playing a function to protect us against bacteria, viruses, toxins, and triggers.

~ IgA

It is associated with the mucous membranes, playing a function to control the secretions of mucosal surfaces.

~ IgE

It is only been found in mammals, playing a function to overreact to an allergen, causing an allergic reaction.

Q: What is the main function of antibodies?

By the process of Neutralization-antibodies bind and inactivate the foreign substances, such as pathogens and toxins in the blood and mucosa. 

Q: What does it mean to be immune?

To be immune means “protected from” in general sense, or “resistant to a disease” in common medical terminology.

Q: What stimulates the immune system? 

Each antibody is explicit to a given antigen. Antigens are the substances that the immune system can identify and in return can stimulate an immune response. B-cells are white blood cells that are responsible for the production of antibodies right on to the antigen that stimulated their production.

Q: How does the immune system work?

Q: Which foods weaken the immune system?

~ Soda

~ Processed foods

~ Sugar lofty drinks

~ Refined carbohydrates

~ Alcoholic beverages

Q: Which foods boost the immune system?

~ Citric fruits 

~ Red bell peppers

~ Broccoli

~ Garlic

~ Ginger

~ Spinach

~ Yogurt

~ Almonds

~ Turmeric

~ Papaya

~ Green tea 

~ Kiwi

Q: What are the healthful quirks, one should adopt for a better immune system? 

~ Do not smoke

~ Regular exercise 

~ No alcohol 

~ Adequate sleep

~ Minimum stress

~ More water

Q: How to prevent infections? 

~ Wash your hands intermittently. 

~ Cook meats thoroughly. 

~ Try herbal remedies: a soothing cup of tea can do wonders. (As my lovely readers already know, my favorite tea is chamomile. Trust me, that hot steaming mug can take away all your miseries.)

~ Spice up your cooking with garlic and ginger. 

~ Consider taking probiotics, like yogurt and kimchi, or maybe sometimes apple cider vinegar. (Personally, I never liked the taste but studies say ‘it is a great immuno booster.) 

Just remember: 

Stay hydrated, Sleep well for a Strong Immune System!