How your immune system works: Facts you should know

Your immune system is your primary defense mechanism that constantly protects you against viruses and bacteria, especially during the cold and flu season. That’s why it’s essential to give the immune system the care it needs – so that in return it can take care of you. ^1-2

The immune system consists of immune organs, tissues, cells, and molecules that are interconnected to fight off external or internal threats.

There are two main types of immune responses: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Both are essential for our health and our survival.

You are born with the innate immune system. Its primary purpose is to prevent the spread of harmful agents by attacking them with killer cells called phagocytes.

You are born with the innate immune system. Its primary purpose is to prevent the spread of harmful agents by attacking them with cells such as scavenger cells called phagocytes and by releasing numerous molecules (eg. signaling molecules, antiviral compounds) that further assist and regulate the innate immune response.

If these harmful agents continue to attack your body despite innate immune defenses, then the adaptive immune system is called into action.

Once you have been in contact with a virus or bacteria that the innate immune system cannot clear, the adaptive immune system develops a memory and can respond much quicker when you are infected again.

The adaptive immune system develops during your lifetime in response to exposure to infections. It produces antibodies to recognize and kill harmful agents.

Both types of immune responses are interconnected and play a critical role during defense against infections.

Why strengthen your immune system: Five important reasons

The immune system is an extremely complex network of organs, cells and molecules that researchers are still working to understand. However, the reasons for having a strong immune system speak for themselves.

Fewer sick days.

The first and most obvious benefit of having a strong immune system is that you are less susceptible to viruses and bacteria because your body fights them off effectively.

Less medication means fewer side effects.

Fewer days of being sick lead to taking less medication. Unlike natural medicine, many synthetic cold medications come with various side effects.

Milder symptoms.

A strong immune response in the early stages of a cold or flu-like infections can reduce the length of the illness as well as the severity of its symptoms.

Better for your body.

The innate and the adaptive immune response needs to be well balanced. An effective immune system relies on a regulated immune response to successfully eliminate viral infections without harming the body.

A healthy lifestyle.

Healthy and important lifestyle factors can boost your immune system. These include but are not limited to a well-balanced diet, no smoking, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and effective stress management.

How to boost your immune system: Naturally with the help of Engystol®

Engystol® is an effective medicine that has been shown to have a dual mode of action that boosts your innate immune system and together with its antiviral activity fights off flu-like infections and colds.

It does this by increasing the number and activity of scavenger cells/phagocytes that remove the virus from your respiratory tract, which leads to a reduced inflammatory response. Engystol also stimulates your immune system to produce antiviral compounds, known as interferons that weaken the virus and also play a significant role in regulating immune responses. ^3-5

Learn about Engystol®

Chaplin D. Overview of the Immune Response. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;125(2):S3-23. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2009.12.980.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). How does the immune system work? InformedHealth.org. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279364/ . Published 2010. Accessed June 10, 2020.
Roeska K, Seilheimer B. Antiviral activity of Engystol(R) and Gripp-Heel(R): an in-vitro assessment. J Immune Based Ther Vaccines. 2010;8(1):6. doi:10.1186/1476-8518-8-6
Wronski S, Dannenmaier J, Schild S, et al. Engystol reduces onset of experimental respiratory syncytial virus-induced respiratory inflammation in mice by modulating macrophage phagocytic capacity. PLoS One 2018;13(4):e0195822. doi:10.1371.journal.pone.0195822
Enbergs H. Effects of the homeopathic preparation Engystol on interferon-gamma production by human T-lymphocytes. Immunol Invest. 2006;35(1):19-27. doi:10.1080/0882013050049675