IMMUNE HEALTH 101
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
At Emergen-C, we’re dedicated to creating great products that support your immune system*. But what is the immune system and what can you do to help it thrive? Here are key things to know about your body’s very important, natural defense system.
WHAT IS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?
The immune system is made up of specialized cells, tissues and organs in the body that work together to help keep the body healthy. Your immune system helps protect your body.
The immune system doesn’t have one centralized location in the body like the heart or the brain. Instead, the immune system is a complex system of organs, tissues, and cells located throughout the body. This includes the thymus, bone marrow, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, and adenoids.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?
INNATE IMMUNITY
Everyone is born with innate immunity (a.k.a. natural immunity) as a form of general protection against germs. This is the body’s first line of defense against foreign invaders.
EXAMPLE
Your skin! It acts as a physical barrier to help block germs from entering the body.
ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY
There are two types of Adaptive Immunity, Active Immunity and Passive Immunity.
ACTIVE IMMUNITY
Remember learning about B and T cells in your biology class? They are a part of your adaptive immunity system. This immunity develops over the course of our lives as we are exposed to pathogens.
EXAMPLE
Exposure to a pathogen stimulates the production of specific immune cells that mark the pathogen for instruction. The immune cells can then “remember” that pathogen if/when exposed to it again, and can properly respond.
PASSIVE IMMUNITY
It’s short-lived, but helpful! This type of immunity typically lasts a short time and is gained through another source.
EXAMPLE
An infant can receive antibodies through a mother’s breast milk.
WHY DO YOU NEED A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM?
A healthy immune system protects your body from invaders, otherwise known as antigens, like bacteria and viruses, by preventing them from entering. Should any of those antigens make their way into the body, a healthy immune system is built to destroy them before they reproduce.
WHAT ARE WAYS TO SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?
There are a number of ways to help support your immune system, including a combination of the following practices:
PRACTICING GOOD HYGIENE
by washing hands regularly and bathing daily.
MANAGING STRESS
through meditation, exercise, journaling and other mindfulness practices.
EATING A BALANCED, NUTRITIOUS DIET
including a variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and limiting added sugars and unhealthy fats.
EXERCISING REGULARLY
by walking, biking or jogging.
GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP
by aiming to snooze for a minimum of 7 hours each night for adults, 8-10 hours a night for teens, and up to 14 hours for younger children and infants.
WHAT ARE WAYS TO SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?
Help support your immune system by practicing good hygiene, managing stress, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and taking your daily Emergen-C®!*
WHAT VITAMINS AND MINERALS CAN HELP SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM?
There are several vitamins and minerals that can help support a healthy immune system, including key nutrients Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, zinc and manganese. A combination of these minerals and vitamins for immune system support will help you take on your days!*
VITAMIN C
VITAMIN D
VITAMIN E
ZINC
MANGANESE
