What is the immune system?
The immune system It is the set of organs and cells responsible for defending our bodies from microorganisms and, in general, from agents potentially harmful to our health. Fulfilling this "defense" role, the immune system finds itself under a particularly demanding load during certain times of the year.
Factors such as changes in environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) generally require a more or less long time for the components of the immune system to adapt and work fully efficiently in the new conditions.
In confirmation of this, it is possible to observe how the frequency of certain disorders tends to increase to such an extent that they can be defined as "seasonal".
What helps strengthen the immune system?
There are several factors that can help strengthen the immune system, allowing some of its components to function optimally. Let's explore them together.
Vitamin C
An adequate intake of vitamin C is particularly interesting as it is involved in numerous biochemical reactions that are fundamental for the correct functioning of various immune components.
Vitamin C must be taken daily because, being a water-soluble substance, it cannot be accumulated in the body.
Even more so, during critical periods, such as those involving changes in environmental conditions, its constant supply must be carefully monitored, providing it slowly and progressively, both to adequately support the functions that require it (including the immune system) and to compensate for the low intake caused by the reduced availability of foods rich in vitamin C, which are lacking at certain times of the year.
Glutamine
Besides vitamin C, other substances are particularly interesting, such as the amino acid glutamine. This molecule can both promote the proper functioning of certain cells that are integral to the immune system and optimize recovery from stress or physical strain.
Glutamine, in small doses, is also very useful for promoting concentration and reducing psychophysical fatigue.
Arginine
Staying on the subject of amino acids, arginine is also particularly interesting for immune function. It acts primarily as a central element in the removal and detoxification processes of waste products resulting from protein metabolism, better known as nitrogen catabolites.
It stimulates the production of T lymphocytes, cell lines essential for coordinating immune function. Finally, it has been shown to eliminate abnormal cells (including some tumor cell lines) and harmful microorganisms.
methionine
Methionine is another amino acid and is involved in the vast majority of methylation reactions.
It allows the formation of substances including amino acids, neurotransmitters and various metabolites, essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Like arginine, methionine participates in various detoxification processes that promote natural liver function. With appropriate supplementation, supported by a healthy diet, it stimulates the body's immune system to respond appropriately to the various threats it periodically faces.
Echinacea purpurea
For some time now, extracts from some plants have also been used in both traditional medicine and pharmacopoeias as immunostimulants. Among these, that of Echinacea purpurea has proven to be particularly interesting.
In particular, the rhizome, that is, the underground storage organ (root of the plant), is used not so much because of the presence of some substance with pharmacological action but rather because of the rich presence of polysaccharides.
What is the function of polysaccharides and what are they?
Polysaccharides are sugar molecules (basically carbohydrates) used by plants to build their tissues. They are important because certain characteristic sequences present on polysaccharides, derived from Echinacea purpurea, are recognized by specific cells belonging to the antigen-presenting cell (APC) category.
These cells have the task of recognizing particular polysaccharide or amino acid sequences present on bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. and "presenting" them, thus alerting all the other components of the immune system, which prepare to deal with them with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
In practice, the polysaccharides in echinacea perform a sort of "molecular deception" by alerting the immune system in the absence of infection by pathogenic microorganisms, so that any threat that might arise would be met with an immune system that is already alerted and ready to respond with maximum efficiency.
Obviously, the combination of the two mechanisms, one aimed at optimizing and one aimed at immunostimulating, also appears extremely interesting for promoting an optimal capacity to respond to the typical pitfalls of seasonal changes.
