If you’re wondering whether your immune system is up to par, you’re not alone. Strong natural defenses are critical – now more than ever. Where is your white blood cell count, or WBC? If it’s suddenly elevated, you may be dealing with a pathogen – a virus, bacterium or another disease-causing microorganism. Below WBC are listed a long with their job.
Lymphocytes – If your levels are high, you may be fighting a viral infection, which would likely not respond to antibiotics. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells, which produce antibodies, and C cells, which eliminate infected cells and cancer. In addition, lymphocytes also include Natural Killer cells of the early defense system known as the innate immune response.
Neutrophils- Bacterial, fungal and foreign infectious microbe infections could cause a spike of this white blood cell; you might be able to treat with antibiotics (natural and prescription). The “first responder” on the scene of infection, neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cell in nearly all mammals and are an especially important component of the early innate immune response.
Monocytes – These cells help fight bacteria, viruses and other infections in the body, while cleaning up cellular debris and recycling dead cells. They also assist in immune responses by activating other immune cells.
Eosinophils- An increase in number may happen when your body is defending itself against a parasite. Allergies and asthma may also cause an increase in eosinophils. Emerging research suggests they may even have some helpful antiviral abilities, too.
Basophils – Got hay fever? You’ll likely have an increase in basophils, cells best known for releasing histamine. Basophils also help with inflammatory reactions during immune responses.
HOW TO RAISE IMMUNITY
VITAMIN D:
Significant research suggests not having enough vitamin D is an indicator of poor immune health, correlating low vitamin D with many diseases. Vitamin D is an immune health all-star because it activates genes that produce your body’s natural defense compounds, enhances your body’s ability to kill invading pathogens and helps suppress inflammation. Fortunately, supplementation with vitamin D has been found to be safe and protect against acute respiratory tract infection.
HORMONE LEVELS:
If your hormone levels are lower than normal, then they are not able to help support a healthy immune response. A very important hormone related to immune health is DHEA, which your body makes more of than all other steroid hormones combined. DHEA hormone possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immune-regulating functions-including the activity of natural killer (NK) cells as well as T-cells.This effect helps support both your innate and your adaptive immune response. If your levels are low, or even somewhat lower than normal, oral supplementation with DHEA has been shown in multiple studies to improve blood levels.
ZINC:
Zinc is a mineral that are meant to boost your immune system. This is because zinc is essential for immune system function. Zinc is needed for immune cell development and communication and plays an important role in inflammatory response. A deficiency in this nutrient significantly affects your immune system’s ability to function properly, resulting in an increased risk of infection and disease, including pneumonia. Numerous studies reveal that zinc may protect against respiratory tract infections, and can be beneficial for those already sick.
VITAMIN C:
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, meaning your body can’t produce it. Yet, it has many roles and has been linked to impressive health benefits. It’s water-soluble and found in many fruits and vegetables, including oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and spinach.
One of the main reasons people take vitamin C supplements is to boost their immunity, as vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system. First, vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help protect the body against infection. Second, vitamin C helps these white blood cells function more effectively while protecting them from damage by potentially harmful molecules, such as free radicals. Third, vitamin C is an essential part of the skin’s defense system. It’s actively transported to the skin, where it can act as an antioxidant and help strengthen the skin’s barriers. What’s more, low vitamin C levels have been linked to poor health outcomes.
For example, people who have pneumonia tend to have lower vitamin C levels, and vitamin C supplements have been shown to shorten the recovery time.
FOCUS ON FOOD:
There is nothing more boosting to your immune system than Good Food. Choosing real, unprocessed foods help strengthen your immune system. Your day-to-day eating habits provide many opportunities for you to support your immune system’s power to protect you. One thing that happens when we eat too much bad salt, sugar and unhealthy fats is that our immune system activates the inflammation response in an effort to protect our cells and tissues. As we continue to bombard our bodies with more and more salt, sugar and fat, our immune cells start to overreact and inflammation starts to run rampant throughout the body. This chronic inflammation impairs our immune system’s ability to respond when we come into contact with the illness such as cold, and flu etc.
IN CLOSING:
Starting with the basics. Wash your hands for 20 seconds, don’t touch your face. Eat good food, eliminate toxins, get good sleep, stay hydrated, move your body, de-stress often, and supplement with quality supplements. We are here to answer any questions to help you navigate these unusual times and events. SO….REMEMBER…..
“LET US BE YOUR DOORWAY TO HEALTH”
