The immune system is a network of cells, organs, proteins and tissues that works to protect the body against germs. Your immune system works around the clock to defend you from developing infections, such as the common cold. Healthy people tend to not get as many infections and ailments as an unhealthy person – their lifestyle helps to strengthen their immune system, helping to stop the body from developing more serious illnesses. This is why it is key to have a strong immune system!
What is the immune system?
The immune system is made up of white blood cells of two different types. Phagocytes are white blood cells that attack foreign organisms in the body. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that identify and record details of previously defeated foreign organisms to tell us how to beat them. The ‘immune response’ is the interaction between these white blood cells that helps to protect us and keep us well.
What are the symptoms of a weak immune system?
Do you constantly feel tired or frequently suffer with anaemia? Or do you seem to pick up every type of bug and infection going around? Do you suffer with allergies? These can all be indicators that your immunity is suffering. Injuries that are slow to heal, unexplained weight loss or weight gain and hair loss can also be more serious signs that your immune system is weak. Even something as innocent as having digestive problems can give us a clue that there’s more bad bacteria in your gut than good! For me, I know that I’m run down when I start suffering from mouth ulcers.
If you frequently suffer with any of the above, it may be worth checking in with your doctor. Luckily, there are also natural ways that you can help to make your internal defences stronger.
Which fruit and vegetables help the immune system?
Fruit and vegetables are filled with vitamins and minerals that help to contribute towards a healthy body. Below are the vitamins and minerals which are most commonly associated with improving your body’s immune response:
Vitamin A:
- Can boost our immune system to make it healthier
Vitamin C:
- Increases the activity of white blood cells which are the foremost cells in the immune system helping resistance against infections
- Keeps tissues in our body healthy and strong
- Helps to clean up damaging free radicals in our body
Beta-Carotene:
- Is a potent antioxidant
- Assists with quicker healing of mucous membranes
- Stimulates the immune system to make it stronger
Zinc:
- Is an important mineral for strengthening the immune system and speeding up wound healing
Some fruit and vegetables which contain these vitamins and minerals essential to immune function are carrots, nectarines and strawberries. Carrots contain vitamin A, beta-carotene and zinc. Nectarines are high in vitamin E – vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps the immune system. Strawberries are high in iron and vitamin C – the iron in them helps to prevent anaemia, which can be a symptom of low immune function.
To teach your children more about how strawberries can help your immune system, buy your copy of Cece the Strawberry here!
