You can promote optimal immune system function with a healthy routine that incorporates regular exercise, stress management, and nutritional support. 

Asking questions is fundamental to understanding our immune system, so you can take preventative measures that support optimal immune health and healthy living.

The 8 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Immune Health

There are many questions about the immune system, so I want to take a moment to answer the most frequently asked questions to help you along your immune health journey.

1. Where in the body is the immune system?

The immune system is a collection of cells and organs located throughout the body. The main parts of the immune system are the white blood cells, the complement system, the spleen, the thymus, bone marrow, and the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is made up of lymph nodes that identify everyday threats and lymph vessels that carry lymph, the colorless fluid that contains white blood cells.

2. How does the immune system work?

The immune system keeps a record of everyday threats it encounters in specific white blood cells known as memory cells. Should the external or internal threat show up again, it is quickly identified by the immune system, and defenses are activated. 

3. What affects my immune system?

Immune system function can be affected by your diet, lack of stress management, inactivity, everyday environmental threats, and certain medications. To maintain optimal immune health:

♦ Follow a balanced diet packed with essential immune-supporting nutrients
♦ Promote a healthy response to stress with regular meditation or yoga
♦ Stick with a regular exercise schedule
♦ Discuss any health concerns with your doctor

4. What foods should I eat to maintain a healthy immune system?​​

Your immune system works hard to protect you from common external threats, and this requires energy. With a balanced diet, you can make sure your immune system gets all the nutrition and energy it needs. 

Some of the top foods I recommend for immune health are those that help reduce typical oxidative stress, such as blueberries, spinach, ginger, and fatty fish. You can also support immune health by knowing which foods to limit, like sugar, fried and processed foods, and salt.

5. How much sleep do I need?

Most sleep experts and doctors agree that seven to nine hours a night is optimal.  However, some people may require more or less sleep than others. If you wake without an alarm and feel refreshed when you get up, you are getting the right amount of sleep. If not, you need to adjust your bedtime accordingly. Proper sleep can help support healthy immune cell activity and promote the body’s ability to respond to common problems.

6. Does smoking affect my immune system?

The components of a healthy lifestyle that support immune health have been discussed, and smoking was not one of them. Smoking disrupts the mucociliary system, which is responsible for clearing unwanted molecules from the lungs. Quitting is the only way to promote healthy lung function and support immune cell activity, so the immune system can properly respond to everyday toxins.

7. What can I do to support my immune system?

Your immune system requires a great deal of energy for optimal function. By making certain lifestyle choices and taking a holistic approach, you can promote long-term immune system health. Start every day with essential morning habits and develop a routine that incorporates nutritional support, regular exercise, stress management, and naturally derived supplements to maintain optimal immune function and longevity.

8. What are signs that my immune system needs support?

When a system works as hard as your immune system does, it needs your support. If you pay attention, it will give you signs. By taking a proactive and preventative approach to immune system health, you can maintain optimal defenses against common environmental threats.  Support your immune health with healthy lifestyle choices and stay ahead of everyday threats.

Taking Supplements for Immune health

In addition to regular exercise and a balanced diet, there are benefits to adding supplements to your immune health routine. The right supplement can help fill dietary gaps to ensure your immune system gets the essential nutrients it needs. 

I worked with 1MD Nutrition^® to formulate ImmunityMD^® and recommend this along with BreatheMD™ to anyone looking to maintain optimal immune system function. 

ImmunityMD^® is a doctor-formulated, probiotic-based supplement that supports immune cell function, healthy immune responses, promotes lip, skin, and oral health, and aids calmness. 

BreatheMD™ is a scientifically-formulated comprehensive lung and immunity supplement made with nine powerful ingredients, including African geranium, botanicals, and essential vitamins and minerals, to promote antioxidant activity, respiratory system performance, immune system defenses, and provide better overall health.

Final Thoughts

Knowledge is essential in the promotion of immune health, and it is important to discuss immune system function with your doctor. By asking questions, you can get the information you need. Once armed with the facts, you can ensure that your daily routine includes the right nutrition, exercise, and habits for optimal immune health.

Dr. Brian Greenberg

Dr. Brian Greenberg is an immunologist, allergist, and pediatrician who received his medical degree from the University of Florida, and completed his residency and fellowship at UCLA. He has practiced medicine in Southern California for almost 25 years.