Imagine if our bodies had no defence against the numerous external aggressions we need to face each day. Viral infections and other bacteria would have been quick to emerge victorious from this uneven fight and the outcome would be fatal. Fortunately in real life, our body is able to successfully fight against pathogens by mobilising its immune defences which are grouped into four categories:
- Microbiotics (skin, intestine, mucosa)
- Chemical barriers (sebum, enzymes, acid secretions)
- Physical barrier (cellular layer of the skin)
- The immune system (immune cells)
Let’s take a look at this in more detail…
WHAT IS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?
An army supporting our body’s health.
Often compared to an army, our body’s defence system is a very complex system capable of mobilising numerous types of cells and producing molecules that respond to environmental stress. It reacts to bacteria and viruses by producing antibodies and special white blood cells – lymphocytes – which recognise antigens so that they are destroyed. During the primary immune response, lymphocytes called the memory cell learn to recognise certain pathogens which as a result creates long-term immunity. It is on the basis of this principle that vaccination works, the memory cells activate an immune response more quickly when faced with agents they have already encountered.
Innate and adaptive, two types of defence
The immune system is made up of two types of defence, the first, known as innate, provides ongoing protection by detecting abnormal or infected cells. This first means, present from birth, involves cells and molecules which quickly act during a reaction called the inflammatory reaction.
The second defence strategy develops a specific adaptation which requires a training period of 4 days during which time the undesirable agents are identified and memorised to ensure better response to their future attacks.
It involves B and T cells which play a central role in this immunity according to 2 modes of action:
- Humoral response: release of antibodies with B lymphocytes
- Cellular response: immune memory with T lymphocytes
This gradual acquisition explains why children who have not yet encountered them are so sensitive to pathogens.
Where do the immune cells originate?
48 hour Timing!
This is the time required for our immune system to eliminate any intruders of our bodies.
Unfortunately, although particularly effective, this system is not infallible and during times of stress, a boost may come in very handy.
HOW TO STRENGTHEN IT?
Intestinal microbiota, the ally of the immune system…
Our immune system which is normally capable of withstanding external aggression to defend our bodies may however be weakened by a number of factors: stress, nutritional deficiencies, age etc.
A healthy lifestyle!
To support the immune system, the first essential step is to adopt a healthy lifestyle: eat a balanced and seasonal diet, cut down the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, take some form of exercise at least 30 minutes each day and sleep at least 7 hours per night.
A balanced microbiota!
The second step involves balancing the intestinal microbiota which plays a key role on different levels: digestive, metabolic, immune system and even neurological.
Long-called “intestinal flora”, the intestinal microbiota groups together almost 100 billion micro-organisms. Sometimes considered as an organ in itself, this microbiota plays a crucial role in the body’s defence system. Why? Because our digestive system is one of the main “gateways” for potential pathogens through our diet. Consequently, 70% of the immune system is driven by mesenteric lymph nodes, which is the reason why when we have an infection, we often experience intestinal discomfort: our body is defending itself!
Good intestinal health is therefore key to the fight against pathogens. To support it, Laboratoires Nutreov have selected microbiotic strains referenced by Institut Pasteur in the Collection Nationale des Cultures de Microorganismes (National Collection of Cultures of Microorganisms) (CNCM). Healthy strains, which strengthen the intestinal barrier, and contribute towards achieving the right balance promote optimal assimilation of active ingredients such as vitamins and minerals provided in our diet.
Phyto-nutraceuticals for a complete and complementary action!
Numerous active ingredients are used for their action on the immune defences. These include in particular:
Eleutheroscoccus
Eleutheroscoccus also called siberian ginseng is classified as an immunomodulatory agent. It increases the body’s resistance and promotes the proper functioning of the immune system through the presence of eleutherosides.
Echinacea
Purple echinacea is classified as an immunostimulant: it stimulates phagocytosis and promotes the proper functioning of the immune system due to its richness in polysaccharides and flavonoids.
Sea buckthorn berry
As a supplement, sea buckthorn berry of Tibet, traditionally consumed in Chinese medicine to strengthen the body’s defences, provides vitamin C and essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6.
Vitamin C
It is involved in over 100 chemical reactions in our body. It is a powerful antioxidant and a cofactor for a family of biosynthesis and gene regulation enzymes. It has been shown experimentally that a deficiency in vitamin C can lead to an alteration of the phagocytosis and cellular immunity.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 deficiencies have repercussions on the immune system; in particular vitamin D3 stimulates the activity of the CD4 antibody secreting lymphocytes.
Complementary and complete
action!
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 plays a role in a large number of processes related to the metabolism of amino acids and proteins. It plays a crucial role in the synthesis of certain antibodies, haemoglobin and certain neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 plays an essential role in the production of genetic material (DNA, RNA) and amino acids necessary for cellular growth. In particular it plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells, the functioning of the nervous system and the immune system, as well as the healing of injuries and wounds.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is a vitamin which intervenes in particular in the process of cellular division including the production of red blood cells. Preventing anaemia, it maintains good oxygenation and therefore the correct functioning of our body’s cells, particularly the immune defence cells.
Zinc
Zinc contributes to the normal synthesis of DNA and plays a role in the cellular division process.
Copper
Copper is necessary for immune cell proliferation (T lymphocytes and neutrophils in particular).
As a supplement, copper and selenium help to protect the cells against oxidative stress as they neutralise the attack by free radicals.
IMMUNEA® boosts the immune defences
In order to strengthen the immune system while helping to reduce fatigue, the research of Laboratoires Nutreov, inspired by nature, has led to the development of IMMUNEA®.
An exclusive formula which:
- Contributes to supporting the natural defences thanks to vitamins C, B9, B12 and D3 as well as zinc, copper and selenium.
- Promotes the body's resistance thanks to extracts of echinacea, eleutheroscoccus and sea buckthorn berry.
Microbiotic strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii and Bacillus subtilis CU1) were specifically selected for their unique virtues. They are dosed a 3 billion Colony Forming Units.