Immunity protects us from disease-causing microorganisms. In the words of Professor Hong Zhaoguang, a renowned health education expert, it is like an army stationed in the body, taking on the important task of defense to prevent the body from being attacked by bacteria, viruses and other “enemies”.
Wang Yuetan, deputy director of the Department of Immunology at Peking University’s School of Basic Medicine, told Life Time that in the basic medical sense, immunity refers to the body’s ability to recognize antigenic substances (such as pathogens and toxins) and to remove them from the body. The strength of a person’s immunity can be determined, to some extent, by the number of white blood cells counted. Generally, 4,000 to 10,000 white blood cells per microliter is normal, and if it is less than 4,000 per microliter, the immune function of the body is decreasing.
It can be said that immunity builds a protective wall for health, but this wall is not impregnable. In addition to the inevitable decline of immune function brought about by age, immune decline often proceeds silently. The main consequence of a declining immune system is that the body is more vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, etc., said Wang Yuetan. In addition, it can also “affect” the normal functioning of the endocrine and nervous systems, leading to endocrine disruption, insomnia and other problems.
If you have a poor spirit, always feel tired, uncomfortable and other discomfort, it is best to consciously pay attention to their own immunity. These states that you may have overlooked above are likely to be mild manifestations of immune system decline. Wang Yuetan said, it is recommended that at this time should go to the hospital to check the white fine number. “If you do a white blood cell count check every six months or a year and plot a curve, you will find it informative to know that the white blood cell count is also lower when you are feeling sick.”
If you find that you have recently had more colds, slower wound healing, etc., it means that your immune function has declined relatively quickly. Individuals with severe symptoms or even death after catching a cold may be related to a serious disruption of immune system function. More seriously, the body’s ability to fight tumors may also be reduced, making it more susceptible to cancer.
Harvard Medical School researchers say that more and more studies confirm that lifestyle has a non-negligible impact on the immune system, such as dietary habits, fitness habits, and psychological state can play a role in boosting or weakening immunity. The company’s main goal is to provide the best possible service to its customers.
1.Fasting
Occasionally try fasting for a day or two, only drink and do not eat, to a certain extent can play a role in protecting the immune system. Researchers at the University of Southern California found that although fasting will starve the body of some healthy white blood cells, but when you start eating again, the number of white blood cells will immediately rebound, and increased than before. A Japanese construction company provides its staff with the opportunity to fast twice a year as a way to promote the health of employees.
2.Listen to music
Music is not only analgesic and stress-relieving, but also improves the body’s immunity, and its effect is even better than the drugs used before surgery. People who like to listen to music have a higher number of natural killer cells in their bodies, so they are more capable of fighting bacteria, infections and even cancer cells.
3.Regular sex
Ensuring sex at least once every two weeks can increase immunoglobulin A levels in the body by 30%. Immunoglobulin A is a major antibody against infection immunity and can prevent pathogens from invading the body. Staying in bed and cuddling with each other or watching movies together to pass the time can also improve the number of antibodies in the body that have the ability to fight disease T cells.
4, supplement astragalus
Hundreds of years of use of Chinese medicine has proven that astragalus is beneficial in enhancing the immune system. Research at the University of Maryland Department of Medicine has also confirmed that, as a common supplement in the daily diet, astragalus has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
5.Walk in the forest
Japanese research found that people in the suburbs, and look at the surrounding green landscape for 20 minutes, can make cortisol levels drop 13, 4%, and play a role in relieving stress. Since high cortisol levels can impair immune system function, this “forest therapy” helps to improve the overall immunity.
6, drink coconut oil coffee
Coconut oil consists of medium-chain fatty acids, which can make people less dependent on sugar, prevent the accumulation of fat in the body, and thus to speed up metabolism and improve immunity.
7.Sauna
An Australian study found that sauna twice a week can halve the chances of catching a cold, but once you have a cold, sauna can’t help in relieving the symptoms and shortening the recovery time.
8.Tasting green tea
The antioxidants in green tea are not only a great “body cleanser”, but also an important factor in improving the immune system. They are able to fight the free radicals that cause weakness in the body, and can stabilize blood pressure and protect the heart.
9, kissing
New York University research found that when kissing, the mutual transmission of microorganisms help strengthen the immune system, especially for pregnant women.
10, drink red wine, eat blueberries
Oregon State University research found that red wine, blueberries and red grapes contain resveratrol and pulsatilla (an antibacterial component), if combined with vitamin D, will build an immune defense for you to keep you away from antibiotics, as well as drug resistance that may result from antibiotic abuse.
11, social
Research by the American Psychological Association found that being away from solitude and being in a crowd can speed up your body’s recovery. In addition, researchers found that there is an intrinsic link between chronic illness and loneliness, and that being isolated in a living environment will multiply stress and slow down the response of the immune system. Those who are more socially competent have a 50% higher chance of recovery and survival when it comes to health problems.
12, drink yogurt
A study by the American Health Association found that yogurt can lower levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections by 47 percent. The probiotics contained in some yogurts can significantly improve the immune system and resistance to disease. The iodine contained in probiotics can also help regulate and balance the immune function of the thyroid gland.