Vaccinations

A vaccination strengthens the immune system in much the same way as an exercise for an emergency: components of pathogens or attenuated pathogens are injected into the body, usually by means of an injection into the muscle, which then elicits an appropriate immune response. This immune response is significantly weaker than in an actual infection with these pathogens. Nevertheless, it leads to the formation of so-called “memory cells”, which, in the event of renewed contact with this pathogen, enable the immune system to mobilize quickly and thus prevent an actual symptomatic outbreak of the disease.

Sleep Hygiene

When sleeping, the body is able to shut down many of its functions and concentrate on regeneration. Stress hormones are broken down during sleep and the immune system can thus react better to potentially dangerous pathogens. This works especially in the deep sleep stages.

Plenty of sleep and improving sleep hygiene can therefore be a way to improve the immune system’s performance, as the body is then given more time in deep sleep in which to fight off pathogens. Pursuing good sleep hygiene means using the place where you sleep (i.e. the bed, or better yet, the entire bedroom) for sleeping only as much as possible. Reading a book to help you fall asleep is fine, but electronic devices such as TV, cell phone or tablet should be kept away from the “sleeping place” and ideally only be used a little while before sleeping. Further information on this: Sleep hygiene

Improvement of the intestinal flora

In the large intestine live – in contrast to the small intestine – a large number of bacteria. These feed on undigested food components and can be partially killed by long-term unbalanced nutrition or antibiotic therapy, which can lead to false colonization of the colon. The intestinal flora and its composition have been shown to have a strong influence on a person’s immune defenses and allergies.

There are several explanations for the exact mechanism. However, it is certain that a good intestinal flora has a positive effect on the performance of the immune system (and also on the sensitivity to pain, fat metabolism and psychological well-being). It is therefore worth sparing the intestinal flora by avoiding excessive sugar and highly processed foods (e.g. ready-to-eat meals). If you suspect that you have a poor intestinal flora, you can also obtain preparations available in pharmacies for rebuilding a healthy intestinal flora.