Defeat Covid, cancer, and other medical conditions by building and maintaining a strong immune system

What is the immune System ?

 Immunity is a complex and well-organized army of the body that has the role of preventing invasion and fighting invaders once they reach the body. This complex system has the ability to identify and trigger defense against any stranger harmful microorganisms that come in contact with our body.

     The divisions of this army are made up of organs, white blood cells, networks, antibodies, and complex proteins.

     Elements of the immune system are found in all organs and tissues. Cellular intelligence ensures their communication to generate the necessary immune response when a danger to the body is detected.

    Immunity can be innate, natural or acquired.

    The two types of immunity interact together and influence each other activating cells of the immune system such as cytokines, antibodies, protein molecules.

     A healthy immune system reacts in a balanced way. Under reacting as well as overreacting are a danger to the body’s health.

Cancer treatment by mobilizing the immune system

    The immune system can be mobilized to fight cancer. Starting from this truth, the hope of treating cancer increases with each step taken by research in the field of imunooncotherapy.

    ” What is immuno-oncology?

   Cancer cells arise every day – typically as a result of a genetic predisposition or environmental influences – but are usually eliminated by the immune system. However, in some cases, the malignant cells can disguise themselves, evade the immune response, and develop into tumors. Immuno-oncology is an innovative area of cancer research that looks into how the immune system can be supported to fight cancer from within, by re-activating the body’s immune response

    How does immuno-oncology work?

    Any productive immune response in the body is followed by a suppressive counter-response which is characterized by the expression of so-called “immune checkpoint” receptors or by the attraction of regulatory immune cells. This counter-response prevents excessive inflammation and tissue damage once an infection has been cleared from the body. However, tumors can harness this mechanism to protect themselves against destruction by the immune system.

   Scientists have identified the first generation of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that have been approved to treat certain types of cancer. These ICIs target immune checkpoints and reactivate the immune system to find and destroy tumor cells.”

            From <https://pharma.bayer.com/how-immune-system-fights-cancer>

    ”  Unleashing the power of the immune system is a smart way to fight cancer:

  The immune system is precise, so it is possible for it to target cancer cells exclusively while sparing healthy cells.

   The immune system can adapt continuously and dynamically, just like cancer does, so if a tumor manages to escape detection, the immune system can re-evaluate and launch a new attack.

   The immune system’s “memory” allows it to remember what cancer cells look like, so it can target and eliminate cancer if it returns.

     Although scientists haven’t yet mastered all the immune system’s cancer-fighting capabilities, immunotherapy is already helping to extend and save the lives of many cancer patients. Immunotherapy holds the potential to become more precise, more personalized, and more effective than current cancer treatments—and potentially with fewer side effects”. 

From <https://www.cancerresearch.org/immunotherapy/what-is-immunotherapy>

Treatment and control of Covid by activating the immune system

     The emergence of Covid 19 and its ability to spread rapidly has led to huge efforts by the medical world, research and pharmaceutical companies to control and treat this disease.

      Major efforts are being made by academic institutions, commercial vaccine manufacturers, biotech laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies to develop vaccines that will induce an adequate immune response in the fight against Covid 19

      Various types of vaccines have been developed and approved, some based on the entire virus RNA messenger: Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech; others with viral vectors and virus-like particles: Johnson & Johnson and Vaccine. AstraZeneca.

       Regardless of the type of vaccine, all have the role of preparing the immune system to recognize and respond adequately to contact with SARcov 19

 How we build a strong immune System ?

   The innate  immunity comes as genetic dowry is much improved by natural breastfeeding in the first months of life.

   Acquired immunity is about how well the  body is trained to recognize, to confront and to destroy the pathogens with which the organism comes in contact.Acquired or adaptogen immunity is built by contact with various bacteria and viruses and by vaccinations.

   Over time, methods have been developed to stimulate the immune system. Many of these coincide with what we call today a healthy lifestyle in terms of diet, dietary supplements, exercise, relaxation avoiding excessive stress.

    A holistic approach is needed in building and maintaining a strong immune system.

Food which help the Immunity

   The first condition for having a healthy body with a strong immune system is adequate food to provide the full range of nutrients.

    The immune system in its fight against infections uses many cells produced by the bone marrow in the construction of which significant amounts of protein enter.

     Important sources of protein should be poultry and fish, eggs, cheese, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

     Vitamins, another important group of nutrients must be provided by daily consumption of fruits and vegetables that include citrus fruits, apples, kiwis, papaya, berries, peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach.

     Fruits and vegetables are also a source of fibers, another very important element of healthy nutrition.

      Fats are also necessary for the functioning of a healthy body. They play an important role in the functioning of the nervous system, hormonal balance, assimilation of vitamins.

      Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated healthy fats are found in olive, peanut, canola, walnut, chia, and fish oils.

      Carbohydrates are also needed in a balanced diet. They should be provided from vegetables, fruits but also bread and brown rice.

      Because the immune system is interrelated with the digestive system, foods that improve digestion are also indicated for an improvement in immunity.
     These include naturally fermented ones, such as sauerkraut;  yogurts, as a source of beneficial bacteria; honey, and propolis as sources of enzymes.

Herbal remedies and supplements that strengthen the immune system.

     Over time, people have identified many plants that help stimulate the immune system. These include Arrowleaf, Balsamroot, Ashwagandha, Black and Blue Elderberry, Black-Eyed Susan, Calendula, Cayenne Pepper, Cat’s Claw, Chaga, Chives, Cocoplum, Dandelion, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Hawthorne, Oregano, Lemon Thyme, Sheep Sorrel, Solomon’s Seal, Thyme, Watercress, Garlic. Anise Hyssop, Black Walnuts, Peppermint.

     For healthy individuals with a complete balanced diet supplements may not be necessary.

But for the elderly or those with food absorption problems at the doctor’s indication, supplements can play a major role in maintaining a strong immune system.

     Supplements that are indicated in improving the immune system are vitamins: B, C, D, oligo-elements: iron, zinc, selenium

     Also antioxidants supplements like Coenzyme Q10, Resveratrol, Lycopene Green Tea, Gingko Biloba should be considered when is about improving the immune system.

Sport for immunity

  All forms of moderate-intensity exercise are helpful in maintaining health and immunity. The excessive effort, however, can be detrimental in maintaining a strong immune system.

   The most indicated forms of exercise for good health are daily walk, swimming, golf, cycling, yoga, pilates, dancing, stretching.

    Relaxation methods are also indicated in combating stress and implicitly in improving the immune system.

   Bottom line

    We are born with an immune dowry donated by our ancestors but we also have the opportunity to improve our immune system through an adequate still life and by using scientific discoveries in the field of vaccination.