Building Second Line of Defense Through Acquired Immunity

All of us are well aware of the immune system and why it is necessary for the optimum functioning of the human body. Our immune system is accountable for fighting foreign substances that can enter our bodies and pose any sort of threat. But are we aware of how the immune system functions? The immune system has 3 lines of defense that fight the pathogens.
These are:

• First line of defense – Physical and chemical barriers (skin)
• Second line of defense – Nonspecific immune cells
• Third line of defense – Specific immune cells

There are two main types of immunity, innate immunity, and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is also called natural or inherited immunity. It is the first line of defense that protects the body from pathogens. On the other hand, adaptive immunity known as acquired immunity is rather slow and more specific. It develops during your lifetime and can either be passive or active.

• Active immunity: develops after an infection or vaccine has entered the body
• Passive immunity: develops when your body receives antibodies from someone else

Lymphocytes, white blood cells, are responsible for carrying out functions of adaptive immunity. There are two major lymphocytes: T cells and B cells. Acquired immunity also provides long-lasting protection, for example, someone who has recovered from chickenpox is now protected against it for their lifetime. Acquired immunity is highly pathogen-specific and pathogen-specific receptors are acquired during the lifetime of the organism. This ensures that the body’s immune system is ready for future challenges.

Now that you have understood the functioning of the immune system, you can imagine how necessary it is to build a healthy and strong immune system. These are some foods that you should include in your diet for a well-structured and strong immune system:

• Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemon, grapefruit
• Broccoli
• Ginger and garlic
• Strawberries
• Green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach
• Yogurt
• Bell peppers
• Almonds
• Drink healthy vegetable juice

Over to You

Time and again we are reminded of how important it is to have a strong immune system. Quit the habit of drinking and smoking and gift your body a healthy and well-functioning immune system.