How does the immune system work?

By Patrick McCarthy (MSc)
15 Feb 2021

The immune system has quickly become one of the most discussed topics in recent months. Similar to any other popular topic, there are many truths but also myths published in this momentous wave of information.

Some individuals, brands and companies notice these trends and quickly see an opportunity! Increased sales, site visits and followers are all on the table! It only takes a couple of posts/blogs, videos of the immune system to gain these sales boosts, and many will use them! While many are factual and evidence-based, others are not only inaccurate but can be dangerous.

Why you should trust the information in this blog

You might be thinking, "But you guys are a supplement company writing about the immune system, why should I trust you?".

Great question! We currently have two nutritional experts on our team here at Plent, both of whom have Masters degree in nutrition. They also have several years of experience in this industry. This is why we trust them to provide informed, evidence-based content to all of our readers!

How does the immune system work?

Why do we need an immune system?

Our immune system is our protection against a range of harmful pathogens that enter the body and can cause us harm. It can also identify dangerous cells and cell damage occurring inside the body, and do it's best to stop this continuing.

When our immune system is incapable of neutralising a pathogen, this is when we experience an illness e.g. cold/flu. On the flip side, when our immune system is activated without the presence of a pathogen, other consequences will ensue. These include allergies and autoimmune disorders (celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis) (Source: NCBI).

So what is the immune system?

The immune system can be described as exactly that, a system made up of different cells, tissues and systems in the body. The system operates in two distinct phases, called the innate and adaptive responses.

The important parts of the immune system include the bone marrow, lymph system, lymph nodes, immune cells (t-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, antibodies) and more.

immune system tips

Phase 1 - The innate immune system

The innate system is the first line of defence. It consists of physical barriers such as our skin, but also comprises several cells called phagocytes. If an invader gets passed these initial barriers, phagocytes will be rushed to the area to engulf and kill them (Source: NCBI).

How does the innate immune system work?

It is can be very quickly activated and so can confront invaders and harmful pathogens that enter the body. However, because of its speed, it sacrifices specificity and so we refer to it as a blanket attack. When this becomes activated, inflammation will increase and the body will send killer cells (NK-killer cells) and T-cells to the area. These cells are produced in the bone marrow and travel through the lymph system.

Phase 2 - The adaptive immune system

This is the slower, but more specific system and steps in after a couple of days after an infection occurs. If the innate was not able to fully rid the body of the pathogen, the adaptive response is very important.

How does the adaptive immune system work?

All pathogens have specific coding on their surface. Special cells recognise these and begin to form antibodies within the body to neutralise these. These antibodies than attach to the surface and cause the harmful cells to break apart and die. These antibodies are very specific to this pathogen, and so will remain in the body for months to years after - this is the concept of immunity. (Source: NCBI).

Can I boost the immune system?

This article is a very brief summary of the immune system. There are a lot more complex processes that are occurring in your typical immune response.

"So, what?", you might be thinking.

Well, because of the different systems involved, it it hard to imagine that a single food supplement could "turn it on" or "boost" it right?

That is like saying a certain oil can fix all the different aspects of an engine and make it go faster.

A healthy diet, regular exercise and yes sometimes, some food supplements can help to support your immune system. But there is little to no research reporting that it can be quickly boosted!

Last week I wrote this blog: 'Can we boost the immune system'

adaptine and innate immune system

Key Takeaways

To summarise and conclude this article -

The immune system is our protection against the big, bad world and keeps us healthy against infection.
The immune response can be classified into two main aspects, the innate and adaptive systems.
Immunity is achieved when we contain the specific antibodies of a virus that were previously formed when infected before.
The best way to support a resilient immune system is to get sufficient sleep, eat enough plants and wholefoods, get plenty of vitamins and minerals through the diet (and if needed, supplements), be physically active and to reduce stress.

We hope this article was informative and helped your understanding of a very complex subject. If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to comment below!

Have a wonderful week!