Immunity, how does it work? The role of the immune system is to recognize foreign or abnormal cells and destroy them. It can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites or even cancer.
As soon as a threat manages to cross the barrier of the skin or that of a mucous membrane, a first battalion of defending white blood cells forms a rampart. Neutrophils and macrophages phagocytose the invaders, i.e. encircle and swallow them, then present a fragment recovered from the intruders (antigen) to other white blood cells, which in a way form the “units of ‘elite”. The T cells, as killers, will then coordinate a second phase of immune response.
They come to recognize the antigens and communicate the information to the B lymphocytes which constantly patrol around the lymph nodes. These then produce antibodies in the blood. The antigen will bind to the antibody, which will destroy the intruder. Once this undesirable has been put out of harm’s way, the immune system will remember it thanks to the antibodies and will be ready in the event of a new infection.
The right diet to boost our immunity
An antioxidant diet “We rely on the precious vitamin C present, for example in citrus fruits, blueberries, blackcurrants, kiwi, broccoli, raw spinach. We also favor vitamin E, which is found in seeds, almonds, walnuts and other oilseeds, says nutritionist Véronique Liesse. When we recommend varying the colors on our plate, it’s not to look pretty. It’s a way to give our body all the nutrients it needs. it needs, because it is the pigments that are antioxidants.”
An anti-dysbiosis diet : to avoid the imbalance of the bacterial ecosystem. “Foods rich in probiotics such as yogurts bring good bacteria. Foods rich in prebiotics such as fruits, vegetables, allow our microbiota to develop.”
An antihyperglycemic diet “Good management of blood sugar and insulin sensitivity is essential to keep inflammation and immunity under control, insists our expert. We must ban processed foods that have a high glycemic index. We must avoid drink fruit juices (better to chew them!), because they are more concentrated in sugar. Their quantity of fibers is also reduced, which increases the glycemic index.
An anti-toxic diet : favor fresh and well-preserved foods and avoid, conversely, prepared meals, sweeteners, additives and aggressive cooking which destroy nutrients and generate toxic compounds.
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