What is the immune system?

The immune system is a complex network of organs, white blood cells, antibodies, and chemicals, which work together to protect the body from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that cause infections, illnesses, and disease.

Your immune system is constantly fighting to keep you healthy by keeping germs out of your body, and destroying them or limiting the damage if they get in.

When your immune system is working properly, it knows which cells are yours and which substances are foreign to your body. If it senses germs, it activates, mobilizes, attacks, and neutralises foreign invader germs that can cause your body harm. It recognises germs after you’ve been exposed to them, and your body develops antibodies to protect you from those specific germs in future.

When your immune system can’t overcome an invader, a problem, such as an infection, develops. Also, sometimes your immune system mounts an attack when there is no invader or doesn’t stop an attack after the invader has been killed. This may result in problems such as autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions.

Just like the rest of your body, your immune system needs nutrition, rest, and a healthy environment to stay strong. Certain lifestyle changes can also boost your immune system and help you avoid illness.

Supplements with immune boosting nutrients such as Beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Probiotics, Prebiotics and Protein may also help to maintain a healthy immune system.

If you are interested in boosting and maintaining a healthy immune system, chat to one of our health and wellness experts about how to optimise your diet, lifestyle, and environment. We offer free 20-minute online consultations where you can find out more about how the immune system works.