Health
Marisa HeinzeNovember 24, 2022
Right or wrong? Current knowledge on the immune system
The immune system has a vital task: it protects your body from harmful viruses, substances, germs and cell changes. With such an important task, it is understandable that our immune system is made up of different organs, cells and proteins.
As long as your immune system functions properly, you hardly notice it. However, if it no longer works properly, e.g. because it is weakened or cannot fight particularly aggressive germs, one becomes ill.
Immune system: true or false?
But when do we actually get sick? Since childhood, many of us have heard phrases such as “wrap up warm, otherwise you will get sick” or “don’t go out with wet hair, you will get sick.” But is it really true that wet hair and the like weaken our immune system ? We've checked facts and we have the answers. Let's start with myths and truths about our body's defences:
Does wet hair harm the immune system?
Have you ever skipped a late-night shower because you were too tired to blow-dry your hair? After all, you're not supposed to sleep with wet hair, or go out into the cold air, right? We've often heard that wet hair can give you a cold - at least according to countless mothers and grandmothers.
It turns out, however, that this is not necessarily the case. Of course you can literally "cool" your body when your hair is wet. Most of the time, however, we contract one of over 200 cold viruses, usually a rhinovirus, and become ill as a result of the infection.
The virus enters the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes and is spread through airborne droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. You can also get infected by touching a contaminated surface.
But why is it still better to go to bed with dry hair? Wet hair increases the risk of fungal infection. These fungi thrive in a moist, warm environment - such as the scalp or a damp pillow. A fungal infection can negatively affect the immune system.
Does warm clothing protect our immune system in winter?
Although some studies suggest that cold weather weakens our immune system's ability to fight infection, as mentioned above, most illnesses require infection via germs. As a result, dressing warm doesn't protect you from the risk of getting sick - although it can help prevent hypothermia and frostbite.
Why are we still sick more often in the colder months? Disease spreads faster in cold weather because more time is spent indoors and in closer contact with others. This promotes the spread of viruses.
It's still a good idea to wrap up warm, after all, nobody wants to freeze. However, what really protects against germs in winter are these measures:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow crook instead of your hands to prevent your germs from spreading
- Open the window regularly and to let some fresh air inside
Do fever medications reduce the strength of the immune system?
Some people believe that taking a fever reducer also reduces their ability to fight infection. However, there is no evidence that using a fever reducer negatively affects your immune system's ability to function.
Fever occurs when the hypothalamus, the body's "thermostat" in the brain, increases body temperature. Since most viruses are more active at lower temperatures, raising body temperature is a strategy to combat the virus.
But the fever not only affects the invaders, but also the body. While a low fever is harmless, a high fever can cause dangerous complications, especially over a long period of time:
- Dehydration, because fluid evaporates faster from hot skin than cooler skin.
- For children under the age of five, a rapid rise in temperature can also lead to an attack of fever.
Using an over-the-counter antipyretic medication can often help prevent fever-related complications and reduce uncomfortable symptoms like headaches and body aches.
Does our diet affect the immune system?
In order for all processes in the body to function smoothly, the immune system needs energy in the form of calories as well as many essential nutrients. These include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and about 20 other inorganic elements. The main components are supplied in carbohydrates, lipids and protein. Vitamins, minerals and water are also required.
Our diet provides energy and nutrients. If our diet isn't wholesome, important minerals may be missing. It can help to switch to dietary supplements in order to absorb these nutrients in the necessary quantities.
Our daily diet not only influences our immune system, but our whole body.
Get active for your immune system
Contrary to common assumptions, it is not improper clothing or wet hair that weakens our immune system, but rather germs or factors such as stress, an unbalanced diet, too little exercise and harmful everyday habits. On the other hand, a healthy and active lifestyle not only strengthens your immune system, but also increases your general well-being.
In addition to a balanced diet, regular exercise is a wonderful preventive measure against illnesses. Whether yoga, Pilates, or strength training - find a workout that you enjoy and that brings you closer to your goal. Our club managers will be happy to advise you without obligation and show you our club during a first free trial session.