Your immune system is on guard 24/7 to find, identify and remove germs and other invaders to keep you healthy. It also helps heal your body when you get sick. It’s a large network of cells and organs that work together to protect you.
Innate immunity is protection that you’re born with. It’s active from the moment you’re born, and it goes into action right away when it sees an invader. It doesn’t need prior training to know that an invading germ isn’t supposed to be in your body. It’s your first line of defense.
It starts by recognizing foreign particles, or antigens, on the surfaces of cells in your body and on the surface of germs. Special proteins called major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules display the antigens to naive T cells, which respond by growing and producing plasma cells that release antibodies to target the antigens. The cells then kill the pathogens. The naive T cells retain the information about the pathogens so that they can quickly and efficiently respond to a similar infection in the future.
A strong immune system also helps you heal faster when you are injured. When you cut or scrape your skin, immune cells send out chemical messengers that help the wounded tissue grow and repair itself. Research from UArizona Health Sciences shows that certain nutrients, especially interleukins, can boost immune cell growth and function. A nutritious diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meats and whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and healthy fats supports the immune system and promotes proper healing.
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