Cool mornings, wet and wild days and chilly evenings are a natural part of winter. And with this season almost here, it’s the perfect time to boost your immunity and ward off bugs to protect yourself from feeling run-down during coughs and cold season.

A healthier immune system not only guards yourself against colds and flu, but a well-functioning defence system is also crucial for optimal health all year round.

On the defensive
The immune system is made up of special cells and chemicals that fight infection. Without it we simply wouldn’t survive.

The forward attacking immune cells are the neutrophils or white cells. Made in the bone marrow, they’re specially designed to attack invading germs.

Every cell in the system has an amazing memory. Once an invader is overpowered, they’re not forgotten and easily defeated if recognised in the future.

Other defending cells are the Beta and T-Lymphocytes. These form a picture of the invaders and send a message to other cells, which make antibodies. These antibodies are proteins formulated to neutralise toxins from the invaders and act by deactivating potentially lethal cells.

Immune cells flow through our blood and the spleen. These are the ‘central control rooms’ of our defences and are backed up by the lymphatic system – where lymph nodes and lymphocytes lurk to trap invaders.

How it works
If you get a cold, your immune system goes into attack mode. Initially a break in the defence system is ‘heard’ by white cells. In come the T-Lymphocytes and the antibody-producing cells to attack.

You may suffer a fever because a higher temperature is healing. This not only destroys invading germs but is a trigger to bringing out the second rung of warriors to the battlefield.

Your muscles ache because the battle is happening within them, and you feel lousy because this war drains you of energy. In a couple of days, the battle is over and you’ll start to feel better.

Wrong turn
Sometimes, the body – which is designed to work against bugs, parasites and toxins – turns on itself. Some experts claim this is because we’re born in a sterile hospital and wrapped in cotton wool until we’re immunised, so the immune system has little to do and therefore turns on itself.

Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis are all autoimmune diseases. Instead of protecting you, the immune system starts attacking. 

IN SUPPORT OF YOUR BODY'S IMMUNE SYSTEM
A number of other backups assist the immune system in its battle.

• Lungs: Each lung has mucus to catch invaders and small hairs. It then transfers them out to the throat, where they’re neutralised.

• Gut: Beneficial bugs or probiotics interact with fibre. They form an early warning system for invaders who have made it through the acid of the stomach, and help in the production of killer cells and antibodies.

• Sweat, tears, saliva, skin oil: All are immune defenders. Even the constant flushing of the bladder and the bowel is health-giving.