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How Your Immune System Works

Why is our immune system important? It is because it is our body’s defense system against various germs, diseases, and infections. These things can be more infectious during seasonal changes like the wet monsoon due to the excess moisture in the air.3 This reasoning is especially important for the elderly as they are more vulnerable due to less active immune systems. There are many things that support both the innate and adaptive immunity, which includes a diet rich in immunity supporting nutrients from food and alternatives (eg. Ensure Gold or Ensure Gold Plant Based) for starters.,8

Innate vs. Adaptive or Acquired Immunity

Innate – Mainly to fight against things entering our bodies like pathogens, injuries and infections, this system responds almost instantly. This is a general type of immune response with the responsible areas in the body being the skin, hair, nose (inner mucosa), mucous membranes, and the gut.1, 2

Adaptive – Once the initial response to infections are over, the adaptive immune system takes over to deal with specific pathogens. This takeover usually comes in about 3 to 4 days after infection (it is case specific). During this time, a person can have pus (if it is an injury), swelling due to inflammation, redness, and pain. Your body builds antibodies and memorizes the nature of the pathogens for better response the next time it shows up.1, 2

What Nutrients Supports Immunity for Adults?

Seniors are more vulnerable during seasonal changes and extreme weathers as their body is already less efficient at processing things (reduced production of B and T cells, that deal with infections, in bone marrow).1, 3 Because they need external support, they should eat plenty of foods that contain Antioxidants (ß-carotene (vitamin A), vitamins C, E, D). Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals (from pollution, infections, and during cellular metabolism when fighting infections) that damage cells.4, 6, 7

Seniors also need high quality protein to support their immune system. If the immune system does not have enough to power the B and T cells, it will take it from the muscles, which can contribute to muscle loss. The best sources for proteins and antioxidants for immunity are lean meat, poultry, eggs, soy products, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, quinoa, and whole grain rice.5, 6, 7

For Additional Support

Though complete and balanced nutrition is a start to help support the immune system, it is not the only one. Making other healthy lifestyle choices, getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, proper hygiene, exercise, and even using the help of nutritional supplements count. For example, seniors can get high-quality protein from Ensure Gold or Ensure Gold plant-based.8 Ensure Gold Plant-Based contains high quality protein from soy, rice and quinoa, suitable for the people who do not like the milk or milk taste. Rated as No. 1 Physician Recommended Oral Nutritional Supplement in the U.S.9, both Ensure Gold variants contain HMB (β-Hydroxy β-methyl butyrate, a metabolite of amino acid leucine) to help support muscle strength, vitality and activity. When immunity support with nutrients from food alone is not enough, Ensure Gold contains 12 immunity supporting nutrients such as protein, Vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, E, Folate and selenium, copper, zinc and iron.10

Supporting your immunity is an ongoing process, especially for seniors during seasonal changes. The easiest way to help improve immunity is through nutrition dense with antioxidants and high-quality proteins. For additional support, Ensure Gold or Ensure Gold Plant Based, 2 servings (6 scoops per serving with 185ml/187ml of water) can help strengthen your nutrition foundation, so you can live life to the fullest.

To get a sample, please visit Ensure Myanmar to sign up.

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279396/
  2. https://www.healio.com/hematology-oncology/learn-immuno-oncology/the-immune-system/the-innate-vs-adaptive-immune-response
  3. https://tribecacare.com/blog/monsoon-care-tips-for-the-elderly/
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8227682/
  5. https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-what-protein-does-for-your-body
  6. https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/preventing-illness/support-your-health-with-nutrition
  7. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/immune-boosting-supplements
  8. https://www.ensuremyanmar.com/eng/ensure-powder/
  9. IQVIA, using the ProVoice Survey, fielded 14,459 physicians from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
  10. Ensure Gold contains protein, Vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, E, Folate and selenium, copper, zinc and iron, that help support the normal function of the immune system.