In the general perception of health, there is often a misperception that as long as the body is not ill, there is no need to focus on the immune function. It is often only when there is an apparent disease in the body that people realize that health problems occur, ignoring the importance of immunisation as a silent guardian of the body’s importance in everyday life. Such misperceptions may have deprived us of a critical time to maintain health and prevent disease.
The immune function, which is the defence of the human body itself, acts as a sophisticated and complex network that keeps our bodies safe from external pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Even in a seemingly healthy state, the immune system continues to work to identify and remove occasional abnormal cells in the body, including cells that may be carcinogenic. For example, while we breathe, the air may carry various strains, but a healthy immune system can identify and eliminate the fungi before it causes symptoms, thus keeping us disease-free. However, this does not mean that the immune function remains at its best or does not require our attention.
Many factors affect the immune function unwittingly. Lifestyle is one of the most critical factors. A prolonged lack of sleep disrupts the normal rhythm of the immune system. Studies have shown that lack of sleep leads to reduced immunocyte activity, such as the inhibition of T lymphocytes and natural killing cells, which reduces the body ‘ s ability to withstand pathogens. In the case of those working late at night, for example, they are more likely to be infected with the influenza virus during the flu season due to lack of sleep and may recover from the infection for longer periods.
Unreasonable diets also have a negative impact on immunization functions. Over-ingestion of high-calorie, fat and sugar-rich foods, while lack of intake of vitamins, minerals and food fibres, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains, leads to uneven body nutrition. For example, nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc play an important role in the development and functioning of immune cells. The lack of these nutrients can reduce the number or activity of immune cells, thereby increasing the risk of infection.
Lack of sports is also an important factor affecting the immune function. Moderate motion promotes blood circulation, making immune cells more effective in their internal circulation and functioning. People who have been sitting for long periods of time tend to have relatively low immune functions and are vulnerable to infectious diseases such as respiratory infections and urinary system infections.
In addition, psychological stress is an area that cannot be ignored. Long periods of high stress, such as work stress, economic stress, family conflict, cause physical stress and hormonal imbalance. For example, higher levels of stress hormones, such as cortisols, inhibit the activity of immunosuppressors and weaken the defence capacity of the immune system. The high incidence of illness that many people experience as a result of a high level of work stress or life change is a reflection of the negative impact of psychological stress on the immune function.
Moreover, as age increases, the immune function declines naturally. Even in the absence of a visible physical condition, the immune function of the middle and older population is gradually decreasing, resistance to pathogens is reduced and chronic and infectious diseases are more likely to occur. This requires them to pay more attention to changes in their own immune functions and to take measures to enhance them, such as adequate nutrition and exercise.
Although the body is temporarily free of disease, the immune function may have been affected by a variety of potential factors. We must not lose sight of the importance of the immune function in day-to-day health maintenance, which should be maintained by maintaining a good lifestyle, including adequate sleep, a reasonable diet, moderate exercise and effective management of psychological stress, thus providing a solid basis for disease prevention and health.
