What is Immunity? How to Check Immune System in a Blood Test?

The immune system is your body's defence against infections and illnesses. It is a complex network of organs, tissues, cells and proteins that work together to protect you. Understanding how immunity works and what affects it can help you take steps to strengthen your immune system. This article will explain what the immune system is, the factors that influence immunity, medical tests to check immunity levels, and lifestyle tips to boost immunity naturally.

What is the Immune System?

The immune system is made up of two main parts - the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system.

• The innate immune system acts as the first line of defence. It includes physical and chemical barriers like skin, mucous membranes, saliva, and stomach acid. It also consists of immune cells like phagocytes, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and proteins like complement. These components work non-specifically to counter pathogens.
• The adaptive immune system is more advanced and acts against specific pathogens. It consists of specialized cells like T cells, B cells and antibodies. The adaptive system has memory and learns to identify and remember previous pathogens for future defence.

Together, these two immune systems provide complete protection against diseases. A strong immune system is active and ready to detect and destroy any foreign invaders before they can make you sick.

What is Immunity?

Immunity refers to your body's ability to prevent and fight infections. It involves the coordinated working of various organs, cells and proteins that make up the immune system.

Good immunity means your body can:

• Identify pathogens like viruses, bacteria, parasites
• Launch a rapid attack against invading pathogens
• Remember pathogens and prevent future illness
• Destroy infected cells to limit infection spread
• Heal any damage caused by infection

Strong natural immunity is built over time through exposure to pathogens, vaccines and antigens. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise and stress levels also affect immunity.

Types of Immunity

There are two main types of immunity - innate immunity and adaptive immunity:

Innate immunity

• Present from birth
• Non-specific - acts against all pathogens
• First line of defense
• Components:
• Physical barriers - skin, mucous membranes
• Chemical barriers - stomach acid, antimicrobial proteins
• Immune cells - Neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells
• Immune proteins - Complement, acute phase proteins

Adaptive immunity

• Develops throughout life
• Pathogen-specific
• Slower response than innate immunity
• Components:
• Lymphocytes - T cells, B cells
• Antibodies
• Immune memory
• Cell-mediated immunity - T cells
• Humoral immunity - B cells & antibodies

There are also two kinds of acquired adaptive immunity:

• Active immunity - acquired through natural infection or vaccination. Long-lasting.
• Passive immunity - is obtained from the transfer of antibodies from another immune individual. Short-term protection.

Innate and adaptive immunities work together to provide complete protection against pathogens through both non-specific early responses and specific adaptive responses.

Herd Immunity

Herd immunity occurs when a large part of the population becomes immune to an infectious disease. This provides indirect protection to others who are not immune.

There are two ways to achieve herd immunity:

• Natural infection - When a sufficient number of people in a community contract the disease and develop natural immunity against future infection.
• Vaccination - When a significant percentage of the population is vaccinated against the disease to interrupt transmission chains.

Herd immunity makes disease outbreaks and epidemics less likely. However, it requires a high threshold of immune individuals to disrupt transmission. For COVID-19, experts estimate that 70% or more of a population needs to be immune to achieve herd protection.

Immunity Boosting Vitamins and Minerals

Here are some of the top vitamins and minerals that help boost immunity:

• Vitamin C - Potent antioxidant that increases the production of white blood cells. Found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli.
• Vitamin D - Critical for immune cell function. The main sources are sun exposure, fortified foods, and supplements.
• Zinc - Supports the development and function of immune cells. Found in seafood, meat, nuts, and seeds.
• Selenium - Enhances the actions of antioxidants and immune cell activity. Found in Brazil nuts, fish, and eggs.
• Iron - Required for the growth and division of immune cells. Meat, eggs, and dark leafy greens are good sources.
• Vitamin E - Stimulates immune function and antibody production. Found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds.
• Vitamin B6 - Supports biochemical reactions in immune cells. Found in chicken, fish, nuts, and chickpeas.
• Vitamin A - Maintains mucous membranes and immune cell health. Found in sweet potatoes, carrots, and kale.
• Folate - Produces new immune cells like T cells and helps immune function. Found in legumes, citrus fruits.
• Copper - Component of enzymes involved in immune responses. Found in seafood, nuts, and red meat.

Make sure your diet includes adequate amounts of these immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals, or take supplements if deficient.

Factors That Weaken Your Immune System

Many lifestyle and environmental factors can impact how well your immune system can protect you. These include:

• Poor diet - Inadequate intake of nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, selenium and iron can reduce immune defences.
• Lack of sleep - Not getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep hampers immune function.
• Stress - High-stress levels increase inflammation and suppress immune responses.
• Smoking/alcohol - These unhealthy habits damage immune cells and inhibit their functioning.
• Obesity - Excess weight also causes chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Age - As we get older, our immune systems become less effective at fighting off bugs.
• Medications - Certain drugs like steroids, chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs suppress the immune system.

Ways to Boost Immune System

Here are some effective ways you can help boost your immune system:

• Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep per night. Lack of sleep negatively impacts immune function.
• Reduce stress. Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing help lower stress hormones that suppress immunity.
• Exercise regularly. Moderate exercise for 30-60 minutes most days stimulates circulation and immune cells.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. Maximize produce like citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens that provide antioxidants.
• Take a probiotic supplement. Probiotics support gut and immune health by balancing gut bacteria.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids like water, and herbal tea to help flush out toxins.
• Limit alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol suppresses immune cell activity and inflammation.
• Quit smoking. Smoking impairs lung function making you prone to respiratory infections.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity and being underweight alter immune responses.
• Take vitamins. Supplement the diet with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc which boost immunity.
• Get enough protein. Include plant and animal proteins like beans, yoghurt, eggs, fish, and chicken.
• Minimize processed foods. Eat more whole foods high in fibre and nutrients.
• Cook with garlic and spices. Garlic, ginger, and turmeric have antimicrobial properties.
• Wash hands frequently. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of germs.

Making lifestyle changes to manage stress, eat right, exercise, and get proper sleep gives your immune system the best chance to stay strong and protect you.

How to Test for Immunity Level?

To check immune system in a blood test doctors can order the following tests to evaluate immune status:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) - Checks levels of white blood cells like lymphocytes and neutrophils which are immune cells.
• ESR Test - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate indicates inflammation levels.
• CRP Test - C-Reactive Protein test also measures inflammation.
• Immunoglobulins Test - Measures levels of IgA, IgM, and IgG antibodies in the blood.
• Complement Test - Tests levels of complement proteins like C3, C4, C1q etc.
• Lymphocyte Subsets - Counts T cells, B cells, and NK cells to assess adaptive immunity.
• PHA Skin Test - Evaluates T cell-mediated immunity.
• Cytokines Test - Measures levels of immune proteins like interleukins and interferons.

These tests help diagnose the cause of recurrent infections, immune deficiencies, and autoimmune disorders and monitor treatment efficacy.

10 Tips to Boost Your Immunity Naturally

Here are some lifestyle measures you can take to keep your immune system healthy and strong:

1. Eat a balanced diet - Emphasize fruits, vegetables, nuts, yoghurt, garlic, and ginger. Get enough protein from lean meats, eggs, and beans.
2. Take a multivitamin - Supplement your diet with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc to prevent deficiencies.
3. Stay hydrated - Drink 8-10 glasses of fluids like water, and herbal tea daily.
4. Prioritize sleep - Adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Maintain consistent bedtime.
5. Exercise regularly - Aim for 30-45 minutes of moderate activity at least 5 days a week.
6. Manage stress - Try yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises to relax.
7. Quit smoking - Smoking damages immune cells and increases the risk of respiratory infections.
8. Limit alcohol - Heavy/binge drinking impacts immune function and gut health.
9. Maintain a healthy weight - Being overweight or obese can negatively affect immunity.
10. Get routine medical care - Keep up to date with vaccines, cancer screenings, and regular checkups.

Making healthy lifestyle choices is key to having a strong immune response and preventing illness. But if you still feel your immunity is low or you get frequent infections, consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

Superfood to Boost Immune System

Here are some of the top superfoods that can help boost your immune system naturally:

1. Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C. This antioxidant boosts the production of white blood cells which are key parts of the immune system. Squeeze some lemon in your tea or have an orange with breakfast to get your vitamin C.
2. Red Bell Peppers: Red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus fruits. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates white blood cell production and activity. Enjoy raw red bell peppers with hummus or add them to stir-fries and salads.
3. Broccoli: This cruciferous vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C, and E - all essential for immune function. It also contains glutathione which is an antioxidant that helps boost immune responses. Have broccoli as a snack, or side dish or add it to pasta, omelets, etc.
4. Garlic: Garlic has antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It contains the compound allicin which gives garlic its distinct flavor and immune-boosting effects. Use fresh garlic in cooking, or have 2-3 garlic cloves daily.
5. Ginger: Ginger is another ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains antioxidants that enhance immune responses and reduce pain from infections. Add ginger to soups, smoothies, and tea or take ginger supplements.
6. Yoghurt: Probiotics like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria in yoghurt improve gut health and immunity. Look for plain yoghurts labelled 'live and active culture'. Add fresh or frozen fruit to plain yoghurt for taste.
7. Almonds: These nuts provide vitamin E, an antioxidant that boosts immune function. Almonds also have manganese, biotin, copper, and vitamin B2 - all essential nutrients for your immune system. Have a handful of almonds as a quick snack.
8. Turmeric: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This bright yellow spice amps up the immune system. Use it liberally in cooking or have turmeric tea.
9. Green Tea: The antioxidants called catechins in green tea enhance immune function. They also have antibacterial and antiviral effects. Sip on green tea several times a day for best results.
10. Papaya: Papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C. One medium papaya can fulfil more than 200% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. Papaya also has vitamin E, folate, potassium, fibre and antioxidants that boost immunity.

Incorporate these superfoods into your regular diet for a stronger immune system!

How can I tell if I have a weak immune system?

Look out for symptoms like frequent colds/flu, slow healing of wounds, recurrent fever, swollen glands, and need for antibiotics. Get medical tests done to check immunity if you have these chronic issues.

What medical conditions cause low immunity?

Causes include HIV/AIDS, leukaemia, malnutrition, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, and certain genetic disorders like SCID.

Should I get a vaccine if I have a weak immune system?

Yes, vaccines are especially recommended for those with weaker immunity. However, talk to your doctor as some vaccines like live vaccines may be risky depending on your condition.

What foods boost the immune system?

Citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, ginger, yoghurt, almonds, turmeric, green tea, papaya, and chicken soup help improve immunity.

Conclusion

A robust immune system is vital to prevent infections and stay healthy. Make sure to get adequate rest, manage stress, exercise and eat a nutritious diet. Avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking. Take steps to lose weight if obese, and undergo regular medical screening. If immunity issues persist, consult a trusted pathology lab like HealthCareN'tSickCare to get your immunity markers tested. Their panel of blood tests can help analyze the cause of recurrent illnesses so appropriate treatment can be started. Invest in strengthening your immune system for optimum well-being.

Key Takeaways

• The immune system is a complex defence network that protects the body against diseases. It consists of the innate and adaptive immune systems.
• Immunity refers to the body's ability to defend against pathogens and prevent infections. Good immunity depends on the coordinated functioning of various immune cells, proteins and organs.
• Herd immunity provides indirect protection when a significant part of the population becomes immune, either naturally or through vaccination.
• Medical lab tests like blood counts, ESR, CRP, immunoglobulins and lymphocyte subsets help assess immune function.
• Sleep, diet, exercise and stress management are key to boosting immunity naturally. However medical guidance must be sought for chronic issues.

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