What is responsible for immunity in the body. Description and principle of the human immune system

The immune system - a complex of organs and cells whose task is to identify the causative agents of any disease. The ultimate goal of immunity is to destroy a microorganism, atypical cell, or other pathogen that causes negative effects on human health.

The immune system is one of the most important systems of the human body

Immunity is a regulator of two main processes:

1) he must remove from the body all cells that have exhausted their resources in any of the organs;

2) build a barrier for the penetration of an infection of an organic or inorganic origin into the body.

As soon as the immune system recognizes the infection, it seems to switch to an enhanced mode of the body's defense. In such a situation, the immune system must not only ensure the integrity of all organs, but also help them perform their functions, as in a state of absolute health. To understand what immunity is, you need to find out what this defense system is. human body... A set of cells such as macrophages, phagocytes, lymphocytes, as well as a protein called immunoglobulin are the components immune system.

More succinctly immunity concept can be characterized as:

Immunity of the body to infections;

Recognition of pathogens (viruses, fungi, bacteria) and their elimination when they enter the body.

Organs of the immune system

The immune system includes:

• Thymus (thymus gland)

The thymus is at the top chest... The thymus gland is responsible for the production of T-lymphocytes.

• Spleen

The location of this organ is the left hypochondrium. All blood passes through the spleen, where it is filtered, old platelets and erythrocytes are removed. To remove a person's spleen is to deprive him of his own blood purifier. After such an operation, the body's ability to resist infections is reduced.

• Bone marrow

It is located in the cavities of tubular bones, in the vertebrae and bones that form the pelvis. The bone marrow produces lymphocytes, erythrocytes, macrophages.

• Lymph nodes

Another type of filter through which the lymph flows with its purification. Lymph nodes are a barrier to bacteria, viruses, cancer cells. This is the first obstacle that an infection meets on its way. The next to fight the pathogen are lymphocytes, macrophages and antibodies produced by the thymus gland.

Types of immunity

Anyone has two immunities:

1. Specific immunity - This is a protective ability of the body, which appeared after a person suffered and safely recovered from an infection (flu, chickenpox, measles). Medicine has in its arsenal of fighting infections a technique that allows you to provide a person with this type of immunity, and at the same time insure him against the disease itself. This method is very well known to everyone - vaccination. The specific immune system, as it were, remembers the causative agent of the disease and, upon repeated attack of the infection, provides a barrier that the pathogen cannot overcome. A distinctive feature of this type of immunity is the duration of its action. In some people, a specific immune system works for the rest of their lives, in others, such immunity lasts for several years or weeks;
2. Nonspecific (innate) immunity - a protective function that begins to work from the moment of birth. This system goes through the stage of formation simultaneously with the intrauterine development of the fetus. Already at this stage, the unborn child synthesizes cells that are able to recognize the forms of foreign organisms and develop antibodies.

During pregnancy, all cells of the fetus begin to develop in a certain way, depending on which organs will be formed from them. The cells seem to differentiate. At the same time, they acquire the ability to recognize microorganisms that are inherently hostile to human health.

The main characteristic of innate immunity is the presence of identifier receptors in cells, due to which the child in the prenatal period of development perceives the mother's cells as friendly. And this, in turn, does not lead to rejection of the fetus.

Prevention of immunity

Conventionally the whole complex preventive measuresaimed at preserving the immune system can be divided into two main components.

Balanced diet

A glass of kefir, drunk every day, will provide normal intestinal microflora and eliminate the likelihood of dysbiosis. Probiotics will help enhance the effect of taking fermented milk products.

Proper nutrition is the key to strong immunity

Vitaminization

Regular consumption of foods with increased content vitamins C, A, E will give you the opportunity to provide yourself with good immunity. Citrus fruits, rosehip infusions and decoctions, black currants, viburnum are natural sources of these vitamins.

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which, like many other vitamins, plays a huge role in maintaining immunity

You can buy the appropriate vitamin complex at the pharmacy, but in this case it is better to choose the composition so that it includes a certain group of trace elements, such as zinc, iodine, selenium, iron.

Overestimate role of the immune system is impossible, therefore its prevention should be carried out regularly. Absolutely simple measures will help strengthen the immune system and, therefore, ensure your health for years to come.

Yours faithfully,

Immunity is the body's ability to get rid of foreign bodies and compounds and, thanks to this, maintain the chemical and biological constancy of the internal environment and its own tissues.

The combat task that nature has set before our internal guard is a guarantee of the complete safety of the organism, i.e. ensuring immunity.

When the immune system recognizes the invaders, it triggers a sequence of reactions involving dozens of special proteins. Each of these proteins activates the next one, increasing the counterattack. At any time, the immune system strives to cut across everything foreign and activates a number of means that destroy all this foreign.

The role of immunity comes down to maintaining the constancy of the internal environment of the body (homeostasis), overseeing the genetic uniformity of body cells, jealously guarding our "I" and destroying all genetically alien - and penetrated into the body from the outside: ( infectious agents, foreign substances and transplanted tissues), and emerged, developed inside (abnormal, degenerated cells).

We depend on the amount of resources involved in the work of our internal defense mechanisms, which works continuously, like a clock, to protect us from a hostile world. Without a healthy physiological protective function to destroy all our enemies, we are condemned to death quickly, like a child living under a glass cover. In light of the above, it is not difficult to understand that if you want to have excellent health, one of your most important goals should be to strengthen your physiological defenses.

STRUCTURE OF IMMUNITY

The immune system is an amazing complex of structures and mechanisms designed to protect us from all kinds of damaging agents, including bacteria and viruses. These mechanisms can be subdivided into two complementary systems.

The first, in a matter of hours, arranges an attack on the invading microbes. And the second reacts after a few days, but hits the pathogens right on target. This second system has a good memory, so even if a particular "invader" returns after years, it will be quickly destroyed.

The whole system works so efficiently that we often do not notice how the infection entered our body and was successfully eliminated. It is striking how the immune system distinguishes hundreds of types of cells in our body from everything foreign.

Microbes enter through inhaled air, food, and through the genitourinary tract and skin lesions. When the immune system recognizes the invaders, it triggers a sequence of reactions involving dozens of special proteins. Each of these proteins activates the next one, increasing the counterattack.

The first barrier skin and mucous membranes are in the way of the attackers. They are not only a physical barrier, sweat and sebaceous glands skin is harmful to many microbes. Tears, saliva, hydrochloric acid and a number of other substances secreted by mucous membranes are also harmful to microbes. Along with this, "ecological protection" also acts: on the skin and mucous membranes there are microorganisms that destroy microbes harmful to humans.

The second barrier on the way of pathogenic microbes are elements of the internal environment of the body: blood, tissue fluid and lymph.

Thus, immunity is a multilevel defense of the body. It is known that this physiological function can be reduced due to the influence of a number of unfavorable factors. In case of burns, hypothermia, blood loss, starvation, injuries ( skin and mental). In this case, the body becomes more sensitive to infections, the mechanisms of regeneration (healing) and recovery are delayed.

The total weight of all organs and cells of the immune system of an adult is less than 1 kilogram, but, as you know, it is not quantity that matters, but quality.

Long-term suppression of the body's natural defense mechanisms dramatically increases the chance of developing cancer, since cancer cells are mutant in relation to the body, and in healthy body they are quickly recognized and destroyed by T-lymphocytes.Lack of internal resources to protect the body tenfold increases the risk that lymphocytes will miss a cancer cell and that will set the progressive and inevitable growth of daughter cancer cells.

TYPES OF IMMUNITY

Immunity is divided into: congenital and acquired.

Congenital, fixed hereditarily. As a rule, it does not have a strict specificity for antigens, and does not have a memory of the initial contact with a foreign agent. For instance:

• All humans are immune to dog plague.
• Some people are immune to tuberculosis.
• Some people have been shown to be immune to HIV.

Acquired immunity is divided into: active and passive.

Acquired active immunity arises after an illness or after the administration of a vaccine.

Acquired passive immunity develops when ready-made antibodies are introduced into the body in the form of serum or when they are transferred to a newborn with mother's colostrum or intrauterinely. And also passive, when antibodies are transferred to the child from the mother.

Also, immunity is divided into: natural and artificial.

Natural immunity includes innate immunity and acquired active immunity (after an illness).

Artificial immunity includes acquired active after vaccination (vaccine administration) and acquired passive (serum administration)

ORGANS OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Allocate central and peripheral organs of the immune system.

To the central organs include: red bone marrow and thymus;

to peripheral - spleen, the lymph nodes and lymphoid tissue: broncho-lymphoid tissue (BLT), skin-lymphoid tissue (CLT), intestinal-lymphoid tissue (C<, Peyer's patches).

IMMUNOCOMPETENT CELLS

Immunocompetent cells are cells that are part of the immune system and are responsible for immunity. This is a large army of phagocytes and lymphocytes that guard human health around the clock. The following cells are known:

Phagocytes (leukocytes) - means "cells - eaters". These are a kind of border guards who are the first to attack dangerous microorganisms and foreign substances. Having found a foreign body, they capture it with pseudopods, absorb and destroy it.

Just one phagocyte is capable of destroying up to 20 bacteria, but, alas, if there are more opponents, then it itself dies. The temperature often rises at the site of such battles, and the "heroes" who have fallen in them, during a cold, are usually removed with a handkerchief.

Lymphocytes - this is large group cells that mature in the lymph nodes and the thymus gland (thymus). These are fighters of a slightly different sort. They produce antibodies that neutralize poisons and microbes, making them more vulnerable to phagocytes.

Macrophages are larger cells than leukocytes. When microorganisms penetrate through the skin or mucous membranes into the internal environment of the body, macrophages move to them and participate in their destruction.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

In case of violation of immunological tolerance or damage to tissue barriers, the development of immune reactions to the body's own cells is possible. For example, the pathological production of antibodies to the receptors of their own muscle cells.

In some parts of the body of mammals and humans, the appearance of foreign antigens does not cause an immune response. These areas include the brain and eyes, testes, embryo, and placenta. Impaired immune privileges can lead to autoimmune diseases.

Protection methods:

1. Protection of the body is carried out not only by protecting against the ingress of foreign substances into it, but also by cleansing all organs and tissues from the antigens that have already entered. Cleansing is a very important aspect in normalizing the body's defenses! Viruses, bacteria and their toxins, decay products of bacteria are excreted from the body with sweat, sputum, urine, feces and other excrements with sufficient stimulation of the body's cleansing mechanisms.

2. Additional components of the protective function of the human body include interferon, an antiviral protein produced by an infected cell. Spreading through the intercellular fluid and settling on the membranes of healthy cells, interferon protects a healthy cell from viral particles entering it.

3. There are a number of drugs (immunomodulators) containing both synthesized and natural natural substances (Cordyceps, Spirulina, Icahn, Chitosan, Antilipid tea, Biocalcium) that increase the strength of non-specific immunity.

OUR IMMUNITY LOVES:

1. Fresh air.
2. Light physical activity.
3. Bath, massage.
4. Adequate sleep.
5. Positive emotions.
6. Protein... Lack of protein in the diet affects our immune system in the most unfavorable way, because protein contains a complete set essential amino acids... The body obtains essential fatty acids from food and, through a sequence of chemical reactions, produces "useful" and "harmful" prostaglandins. The action of "beneficial" prostaglandins is aimed at stimulating immune function, but more important is the balance between "beneficial" and "harmful" prostaglandins.
7. Vitamin C". This vitamin, which is often prescribed by doctors for flu, colds and acute respiratory infections, is most directly responsible for immunity.
   
8. Group B vitamins. B vitamins help stimulate the immune system during periods of physical stress, such as after surgery or injury. When levels of these vitamins drop, the body's ability to produce antibodies to fight infections is reduced.
   
9. Trace element Zinc... Of all the trace elements for immunity, ZINC is especially important. When there is a lack of it, new cells are not formed in the body. But in case of danger, the immune system must, as soon as possible, create additional protective cells!
10. Trace element Selenium... Heavy metals do not allow the immune system to work optimally. To neutralize them, you need a special trace element - SELENIUM, which helps to cleanse the body of mercury and lead.
    
11. Beneficial bacteria... Sometimes the strength of lymphocytes and phagocytes is not enough - and then you can send them reinforcement - bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which destroy the pathogenic microflora in the large intestine, activate digestion and synthesize substances important for the body. Where to find them? Of course, in live products - yogurt, fermented baked milk, kefir, yogurt, ayran and yogurt. All fermented foods are also alive: pickled apples, sauerkraut, kvass.
12. Alimentary fiber... Beneficial microorganisms inside a person need something to feed on, so dietary fiber (fiber) is vital for them. Dietary fiber is divided into soluble and insoluble. The first ones contribute to normal digestion and play the role of an adsorbent (remove toxins from the body). It is the soluble fiber that the beneficial bacteria feed on.Insoluble fibers are also very useful - they absorb excess liquid, ballast substances and undigested food like sponges.
13. Sugar. Foods high in refined sugar weakens the body by impairing the body's ability to produce the necessary antibodies to fight infections, and by impairing the ability of some immune defenses to fight off foreign factors.
    

OUR IMMUNITY DOES NOT LIKE:

1. Stress and Depression.
2. Tobacco and alcohol.
3. Physical inactivity and excessive physical activity.
4. Work at night.
   

The body is constantly under vigilant protection, which protects it from foreign particles. The defense system is immunity. It can be a collection of organs and tissues, the cells of which are engaged in neutralizing and removing harmful agents. Thanks to this defense system, people can fight disease. Where is the immunity in humans?

There is no definite answer to this question. Immunity is an abstract concept, it is not concentrated in one place, but scattered throughout the body. Its failure leads to many adverse consequences. The person becomes vulnerable to foreign agents. He cannot fight infections and maintain his health. A number of pathological conditions arise. Depending on the mechanism of work, immunity can be:

• Cellular;
• Humoral.

Each of them carries out its protective function through special cells. The first type is with the help of T cells or T lymphocytes, which are subdivided into killer T cells, helper T cells, macrophages and neutrophils. Humoral is carried out thanks to B-lymphocytes and the antibodies they produce.

Another classification of immunity divides it into:

• Nonspecific, otherwise congenital;
• Specific, which is developed throughout life.

And also the protective system can be:

• Natural, developed after an illness;
• Artificial or passive, resulting from medical intervention - vaccination.

Where is

Immunity is a broad concept that encompasses many systems and tissues that produce specific substances. All protection organs are divided into two large groups:

• Central - thymus and bone marrow, which are responsible for the production of lymphocytes;
• Peripheral - spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils and groups of lymphoid formations. Their task is differentiation.

It is impossible to say where immunity is in the human body. it general concept, reflecting the work of many tissues and systems. The thymus, or in other words the thymus gland, is the site of the formation of cellular immunity, that is, T cells. This organ is located behind the sternum and has age features... It is actively developed in children and young people, and involution occurs over the years. This is reflected in a decrease in protective activity among the elderly.

Another central organ of the immune system is the bone marrow. It is represented by soft spongy tissue, which is located in the tubular and flat bones. Its task is education blood cells - leukocytes and erythrocytes, as well as platelets. The bone marrow produces B-lymphocytes, which are the weapon of the humoral response.

One of the organs of peripheral immunity is the spleen. Its role is reduced to lymphatic production, disposal of old and defective erythrocytes, as well as storage of blood cells. The spleen is often called the blood depot and the erythrocyte graveyard. It is located in the abdomen under the left hypochondrium.

Lymph nodes are called biological filters. These are small spherical formations, up to 1 cm in size in the norm. The lymph nodes follow the course of the arteries. Allocate submandibular, behind-the-ear, above - and subclavian, axillary, popliteal, inguinal nodes. They are interconnected by ducts and together form lymphatic system... Inflammatory processes are often accompanied by an increase in these nodes. They can reach the size of a hen's egg.

• the lymphoid tissue that is located on either side of the pharynx is the tonsils. Another similar islet is localized in the intestinal walls and is called Peyer's patches. The exact place of their concentration is the appendix, which is also considered an immune organ. The ducts connecting the lymphoid formations contain lymph, a colorless fluid that contains a large number of defense cells.

Where is immunity? It permeates the entire human body. Even where there are no protective tissues, there are lymph nodes and ducts. The defense never leaves its post. A person is under the control of a security system 24 hours a day.

How is it produced

The role of all organs of the immune system is reduced to the only one - to the protective cells. Some of them form, others differentiate, while others accumulate, the fourth are a reservoir. The most important immune cell products include:

Thanks to the immune organs, the production of these cells is possible. They are direct participants in the battlefield. "Soldiers" of the defense system, who carry out the fight against aliens who have burst into the body.

Functions

The main task of immunity is to defend against unwanted substances. Among the main ones are:

• Prevention of the introduction of foreign agents through the presence of biological barriers;
• Destruction of defective and old cells of the body, whose life cycle has come to an end;
• Neutralization of a harmful microbe when it enters;
• Elimination, that is, the removal of antigens.

What determines human immunity

Defense mechanisms are formed under the influence of many factors that determine the strength of the response against antigens. An important role is played by:

• Heredity is genetic predisposition a person who inherited from his parents. Immunity will directly depend on this factor;
• The environment can also influence defense mechanisms to a large extent. Two twins with similar genetic material but living in different conditions will have different immune status;
• The quality and quantity of food consumed, or rather, its vitamin and mineral composition;
• Lifestyle - his daily routine, work and rest, the presence of bad habits;
• Physical activity or lack thereof. Physical inactivity leads to the fact that the patient will be in a state of reduced muscle tone, gas exchange and, as a result, is prone to immune disorders;
• Acquired and congenital diseases.

These factors will be the answer to the question "what does human immunity depend on?"

The reasons for the weakening of human immunity

The following diseases and conditions can trigger the process of reducing the body's protective arsenal:

The reasons for the external environment are:

• Incorrect lifestyle, with increased psycho-emotional or physical activity, unbalanced diet and sleep disturbance;
• Negative ecological situation;
• Addiction to alcohol, smoking;
• Lack of vitamins and minerals.

The state of a decrease in the protective function of the body requires mandatory correction. It is necessary to increase immunity under the supervision of a doctor. After examining the patient's medical history, conducting an examination and using diagnostic methods, the doctor can prescribe the necessary treatment without calling the person for medication. Raising the immune status is not an easy task, but it can be done. Without the advice of a doctor, immunity cannot be increased on its own. The main thing is to strengthen your body wisely and prepare for it. Then it will be much more pleasant and interesting to climb the health ladder.

The immune system is perhaps the most complex and sophisticated system in our body. She almost constantly fights against potentially dangerous microorganisms invading from the outside. It is likely that at the same time as you read these lines, your immune system is desperately battling an army of pathogens (microscopic harmful bacteria or viruses).

Pathogens are found everywhere - in the air, on land, in water and in food products... Our body is also one of the favorite shelters for microbes; their innumerable hordes live on the skin, in the hair, under the nails. And also - inside our body. If the immune system cannot cope with the pathogens, an infection develops.

How often do we think about our immune system? Many people have heard that it is helpful to take vitamin C supplements and drink more orange juice during colds, but this is often the limit. Although in order to understand all the intricacies immunological mechanisms, may not be enough for several decades, the basics of knowledge in immunology should, in our opinion, be learned by everyone - only then you will understand how important it is for immunity proper nutrition and your lifestyle. But now you can find out how your immune system is doing by answering the questionnaire.

Basic protection

The ingenuity of the defensive systems built by our body to protect against various troubles can only be admired. The first line of defense is leather, which is a natural defensive barrier. Its surface is protected by the secretion of the sebaceous glands, which prevents the growth of some bacteria. Sweat glands located in the skin also contribute to the fight against potentially dangerous microorganisms - the sweat that is released removes microbes from the skin surface.

A similar protective function is performed by the tear ducts of the eyes, which secrete a liquid that washes away particles that irritate the eye. In summer, this is especially noticed by people suffering from hay fever - their eyes are always watering from contact with countless grains of pollen.

The air we breathe contains a huge amount of harmful particles that the respiratory tract fights with. Internal epithelium respiratory tract is lined with tiny hair-like outgrowths (cilia) that capture these particles. The mucus released here also contributes to the trapping of foreign particles. The latter contains the so-called secretory immunoglobulins A (sIgA), which have the ability to neutralize pathogens.

Questionnaire: your immune system

How efficient is your immune system? To get an idea of \u200b\u200bthis, answer the following questions.

1. Do you often have colds or flu?
2. If you have a cold, is it difficult for you to get rid of the cold?
3. Do you experience stress often?
4. Are you depressed or depressed?
5. Do you have food allergies?
6. Do you regularly use pain relievers?
7. Are you suffering from hay fever?
8. Have you used antibiotics more than once in the past year?
9. Is a sore throat not uncommon for you?
10. Do you drink alcohol more than three times a week?
11. Do you often experience headaches?

• If you answered yes to three questions, then perhaps you should pay more attention to your immune system.
• If you answered yes to four questions, then your immune system clearly needs more attention.
• Five or more positive responses indicate that your immune system is not coping with the load.

Saliva in oral cavity helps to get rid of germs that have entered the mouth by airborne droplets, or with food. After swallowing, the saliva in the stomach is mixed with gastric juice, which contains hydrochloric acid (see - 70). Most of bacteria die under the action of this acid, but such as Helicobacter pylori survive. If some microorganisms manage to overcome the gastric barrier and enter the intestines, then the beneficial local microflora enters the fight against them.

Thus, our body is protected both from the outside and from the inside. Nevertheless, sometimes, despite all the efforts of the immune system, pathogenic microorganisms manage to cope with all the barriers, and then a disease occurs.

The immune system

Immunological armada

What happens when we happen to swallow or inhale harmful microbes? In these cases, the immunological army protects us just as a military flotilla defends a strategically important island - our body - from the enemy. The forces that make up this fleet not only prevent outside invasion, but also identify and destroy all those who have become suspicious in the ranks of the defenders - for example, cancer cells. The naval commanders keep a sharp eye on what is happening and throw their ships where the need arises.

SOME IMMUNO-COMPETENT CELLS ARE SWIMMING THE BODY IN SEARCH OF A NON-ACCEPTANCE, WHEN OTHERS SIT IN AN INVASION AND ATTACK ON THE ENEMIES WHICH ARE NEARBY.

The fleet consists of immunocompetent cells. Some of them swim through the body in search of the enemy, while others sit in ambush and attack enemies who are nearby. Wandering cells are otherwise referred to as macrophages. In the process of phagocytosis (see) they swallow and digest pathogens.

Usually immunocompetent cells are carried by blood. There are red and white blood cells (cells) that have different functions.

Red blood cells

These cells, otherwise called erythrocytes, represent the most numerous category. They are formed in the bone marrow, from which they enter the bloodstream. The main function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen throughout the body, but, in addition, they have the ability to attract pathogens, after which those, in turn, pay attention to white cells. Erythrocytes live for a very short time and, having completed their mission, are destroyed.

White blood cells.

Helper T cells are an important subtype of lymphocytes. When a pathogen is detected, they instantly send a warning signal, setting up the immune system to fend off an enemy attack. In the case of HIV infection, it is these cells that are affected, as a result of which the immune system is disarmed.

Complement and interferon

Complement and interferon are also part of the immunological armada. They resemble reserve troops that call for help when needed. These troops have their own targets, and they enter the battle when the immune system has already recognized the enemy. Complement is involved in the destruction of cancer cells and some viruses, in particular, herpes simplex virus. Interferon is a substance that is usually released by tissue for self-defense in response to enemy invasion. It has antiviral activity, which depends on the presence of vitamin C and the trace element manganese: this is why additional amounts of vitamin C are so necessary in the treatment of colds and flu.

Diseases and remedies for their treatment

On the trail of infection

To better understand how the immune system functions, let's follow the development of the infectious process leading to disease.

Imagine that you are sitting with friends in a cafe and having breakfast. Suddenly, a visitor at the next table sneezes. Tiny droplets are sprayed into the air at a speed of 185 km / h. You can get infected in just a few seconds. Luck has turned away from you, and it is at this moment that you breathe in. As a result, the infectious agents that made your neighbor sneeze find a new victim - you.

Your immune system immediately rushes into the slaughter: first of all, your nose tries to capture the invading enemies and neutralize them. If this attempt fails, then pathogens enter tissues and damage cells, which leads to the release of substances contained in them, in particular - histamine. Begins inflammatory process, described in more detail on pages 90-97. The release of histamine attracts white blood cells to the site of inflammation, where they begin to destroy the pathogens. When the integrity of microbes is violated, their latent antigens are exposed, which leads to the activation of B-lymphocytes. As a result, pathogens enter a complete environment, and macrophages that arrive in time complete their destruction.

A delicious pepper salad is very useful for stimulating immunity, the recipe for which is given on. With it, you get a lot of vitamin C, as well as magnesium, calcium and selenium.

During this process, you will likely have a high fever, as your body rebuilds its internal thermometer to fight infection. You may also be bothered sore throat, stuffy nose and headache - classic cold symptoms.

What about your fellow diners from the cafe? Perhaps they also got sick, although the opposite is not excluded. The strength and effectiveness of the immune system depends on the biochemical personality of the organism. A person whose immunity is weakened due to a poor diet and consumption of immunosuppressive drugs such as sugar and alcohol may develop an infection, while having a strong immune system will quickly cope with the infection process.

Thus, if the microbes infecting these people were the same, the outcome was different due to the immune system. Let's now look at what kind of nutrition contributes to optimal immune function.

Nutrition and the immune system

It is possible that at the same time when the immune system is fighting viruses that cause colds, other pathogenic microbes are trying to enter the body. The constant threat of infection keeps the immune system tense, therefore, for its normal functioning, a diet that includes all the necessary nutrients.

To maintain combat effectiveness, troops must be well fed.

The immune system

Vitamin C

Selenium is abundant in liver, seafood, onions, garlic, whole grains and granola, although greens also contain it.

THE PERMANENT THREAT OF INFECTION KEEPES THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN CONTINUOUS VOLTAGE. IN ORDER FOR IT TO COPE WITH ITS FUNCTIONS, CERTAIN NUTRIENTS ARE REQUIRED.

Iron

The effect of iron on the immune system is controversial. It is essential for the production of all white blood cells and is also involved in the synthesis of antibodies. On the other hand, when there is a lot of iron, bacteria multiply well. We do not mean that during infectious disease you should completely avoid iron-containing foods. However, supplements that contain it should not be taken at this time.

Greens, liver and whole grain breads contain the most iron. Iron is also found in dried fruits and granolas.

Zinc

Zinc is needed by the thymus to form T cells that fight infectious agents entering the body. Zinc is also needed for the active maturation of T cells.

The immune system

Ten vegetables your immune system needs

During an infectious disease, it is necessary to eat as many raw and steamed vegetables as possible, which help the immune system to fight off pathogens. Below are pictures of ideal vegetables, which contain the antioxidants needed to eliminate the harmful effects of free radicals. In addition, these vegetables have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well as natural antibiotics.

To help your body get enough carbohydrates and protein, include legumes, whole grain breads, and brown rice. These products also contain many trace elements that stimulate the immune system.

Manganese

This trace element is necessary for the synthesis of interferon (see). The body often lacks manganese, which is involved in the formation of bone and cartilage tissue, and also controls glucose metabolism. With a lack of manganese, there is a disorder of coordination of movements, loss of clarity of thinking, pain in knee joints... Breakfast cereals (granolas), legumes, herbs, wheat germ, rice bran, tea, nuts, ginger and cloves are high in manganese. The absorption of manganese is slowed down by tea, coffee, smoking, excess iron and zinc.

Immunity inhibitors

Since we looked at which nutrients are good for the immune system, we now need to understand which foods and phenomena interfere with its normal functioning.

Sugar

Sugar, in any form, interferes with the digestive function of white blood cells for quite some time (up to 5 hours after ingestion). Breakfast of sweetened granola, followed by sugary snacks, sodas and juices, tea or coffee with sugar, fast food containing hidden sugars throughout the day can all suppress your immune system completely. Give up such food.

Faculty Control

Department "Humanities and social disciplines"

by discipline Physical Culture

"The body's immune system

man "

Completed: student Shundakova K.M.

ED20.1 / B-12 group

Checked by Orlov A.N.

Moscow 2013

The immune system is a collection of organs, tissues and cells whose work is aimed directly at protecting the body from various diseases and for the extermination of foreign substances that have already entered the body.

This system is an obstacle to infections (bacterial, viral, fungal). When the immune system fails, the likelihood of developing infections increases, this also leads to the development of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis.

Organs that are part of the human immune system: lymph glands (nodes), tonsils, thymus gland (thymus), bone marrow, spleen and intestinal lymphoid formations (Peyer's patches). The main role is played by a complex system circulation, which consists of lymphatic ducts that connect the lymph nodes.

The lymph node is a formation of soft tissues, it has an oval shape and a size of 0.2 - 1.0 cm, which contains a large number of lymphocytes.

The tonsils are small clusters of lymphoid tissue located on both sides of the pharynx. The spleen is very similar in appearance to a large lymph node. The functions of the spleen are diverse, including a filter for blood, storage for blood cells, and production of lymphocytes. It is in the spleen that old and defective blood cells are destroyed.

Thymus gland (thymus) - this organ is located behind the sternum. Lymphoid cells in the thymus multiply and “learn”. In children and young people, the thymus is active, the older the person, the less active the thymus becomes and decreases in size.

Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue located within tubular and flat bones. The main task of the bone marrow is the production of blood cells: leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets.

Peyer's patches - This is a concentration of lymphoid tissue in the intestinal wall. The main role is played by the circulatory system, which consists of lymphatic ducts that connect the lymph nodes and transport the lymphatic fluid.

Lymphatic fluid (lymph) is a colorless fluid that flows through the lymphatic vessels and contains many lymphocytes - white blood cells that are involved in protecting the body from disease.

Lymphocytes are figuratively speaking "soldiers" of the immune system, they are responsible for the destruction of foreign organisms or diseased cells (infected, tumor, etc.). The most important types of lymphocytes (B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes), they work together with the rest of the immune cells and do not allow foreign substances (infections, foreign proteins, etc.) to invade the body. At the first stage, the body "teaches" T-lymphocytes to distinguish foreign proteins from normal (own) body proteins. This learning process takes place in the thymus gland (thymus) in childhood, since at this age the thymus is most active. Further, the person reaches adolescence, and the thymus decreases in size and loses its activity.

The immune system emerged along with multicellular organisms and developed as an aid to their survival. It connects organs and tissues that guarantee the body's defense against genetically foreign cells and substances that come from the environment. In organization and functioning mechanisms, it is similar to the nervous system.

Both systems are represented by central and peripheral organs capable of responding to different signals, have a large number of receptor structures, and specific memory.

The central organs of the immune system include the red bone marrow, the peripheral ones - the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, appendix.

Various lymphocytes are central to the cells of the immune system. In contact with foreign bodies with their help, the immune system is able to provide different forms of immune response: the formation of specific blood antibodies, the formation of different types of lymphocytes.

The very concept of immunity was introduced into modern science by the Russian scientist I.I. Mechnikov and the German P. Ehrlich, who studied the body's defenses in the fight against various diseases, primarily infectious. Their joint work in this area was even awarded the Nobel Prize in 1908. A great contribution to the science of immunology was also made by the work of the French scientist Louis Pasteur, who developed a method of vaccination against a number of dangerous infections.

The word immunity comes from the Latin immunis, which means "free from anything." At first, it was believed that immunity protects the body only against infectious diseases. However, the studies of the English scientist P. Medawar in the middle of the twentieth century proved that immunity provides protection in general from any foreign and harmful interference in the human body.

Currently, immunity is understood, firstly, the body's resistance to infections, and, secondly, the body's responses aimed at destroying and removing from it all that is alien and threatening to it. It is clear that if people did not have immunity, they simply would not be able to exist, and its presence allows you to successfully fight diseases and live to old age.

The immune system has been formed over the long years of human evolution and acts as a well-oiled mechanism and helps fight diseases and harmful environmental influences. Its tasks include recognizing, destroying and removing from the body both foreign agents that penetrate from the outside, and decay products formed in the body itself (during infectious and inflammatory processes), as well as pathologically changed cells.

The immune system is able to recognize many "outsiders". Among them are viruses, bacteria, toxic substances of plant or animal origin, protozoa, fungi, allergens. Among them, she also includes the cells of her own body that have turned into cancer and therefore become "enemies". Its main goal is to provide protection from all these "outsiders" and to preserve the integrity of the internal environment of the organism, its biological individuality.

How is “enemies” recognized? This process takes place at the genetic level. The fact is that each cell carries its own genetic information inherent only in a given person (you can call it a label). It is her immune system that analyzes when it detects penetration into the body or changes in it. If the information matches (the tag is available), then it is your own, if it does not match (the tag is missing), it is someone else's.

In immunology, foreign agents are commonly referred to as antigens. When the immune system detects them, defense mechanisms are immediately activated, and a fight begins against the "outsider". Moreover, to destroy each specific antigen, the body produces specific cells, they are called antibodies. They approach antigens like a key to a lock. Antibodies bind to the antigen and eliminate it - this is how the body fights the disease.

One of the immune reactions is allergy - a state of increasing the body's response to allergens. Allergens are substances or objects that contribute to the appearance allergic reaction in the body. They are divided into internal and external.

External allergens include certain foods (eggs, chocolate, citrus fruits), various chemicals (perfumes, deodorants), and medicines.

Internal allergens are the body's own tissues, usually with altered properties. For example, in case of burns, the body perceives dead tissue as foreign and creates antibodies for them. The same reactions can occur with the bites of bees, bumblebees, and other insects. Allergic reactions develop rapidly or sequentially. When an allergen acts on the body for the first time, antibodies with increased sensitivity to it are produced and accumulated. When this allergen re-enters the body, an allergic reaction is obtained, for example, skin rashes, various tumors appear.