The corona pandemic has led to many noticeable and extreme restrictions in our everyday lives in recent years - apart from the obvious consequences, such as the respiratory disease Covid-19, the obligation to wear masks and the exit restrictions, our immune systems have also suffered, which some of us have not been fully aware of.
This is because we cannot see our immune system or immediately sense when it is compromised. Many people are therefore unaware that our immune systems have been weakened by the lockdowns.
The lockdowns as a measure to contain the coronavirus have inevitably had negative effects that have affected our physical and mental well-being. In this article, we would like to explain why our immune system in particular was weakened and compromised by the lockdown and how we can cure and rebuild it.
Our immune system and how a lockdown affects it
One of the most far-reaching aspects of the Corona lockdowns was the restriction of social contacts in order to slow down and limit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. During the lockdowns, we had much fewer social contacts than usual. Depending on where they live and their life situation, some people were also less able to go out into the fresh air and spend time in nature.
But why are human interactions and coming into contact with nature and our environment actually important for our immune system?
In our detailed article on the immune system we explain how it works. In short, our immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues and organs that protects our body from diseases and infections. The human immune system can be divided into two systems: the innate (non-specific) immune system and the acquired (specific) immune system.
Our innate immune system reacts quickly and non-specifically to invading pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. It consists of cells such as macrophages, natural killer cells and dendritic cells. These recognize pathogens and fight them. Proteins also play an important role in this part of the immune system, as they strengthen the defense reactions by providing a main source of energy for antibodies.
The acquired immune system, on the other hand, reacts specifically to certain pathogens by producing antibodies and T cells that specifically and specifically attack the pathogens in order to eliminate them. This acquired system also "learns" how to act against the same pathogen in the future - this is known as the immunological memory reaction.
At this point, it becomes clear why the acquired immune system is inevitably severely affected by a lockdown. As the name suggests, the immune system acquires its knowledge and antibodies by coming into contact with pathogens. If it does not come into contact with pathogens, it cannot acquire protection and the memory reaction for future reactions does not occur.
Fewer social contacts weaken our immune system
A lockdown in which we limit our interaction with other living beings (people, bacteria, viruses, fungi, animals, etc.) therefore has a negative effect on the specific immune system.
You can imagine our immune system as a muscle that needs to be trained in order to be strong and to function. The memory and "strength" of our specific immune system therefore weakens to a certain extent if we do not allow it to come into contact with other organisms.
This brings to mind the old phrase of our parents and grandparents, who said that you should let your child "play in the dirt" because that would strengthen the immune system. This phrase has its origins in the principle of the specific immune system. Reduced physical activity and social isolation prevent our specific immune system from being able to prepare for pathogens. If we are suddenly confronted with pathogens after a lockdown, our immune system is less prepared.
A lockdown also weakens our innate immune system
The lockdown has also led to reduced exposure to sunlight and a lack of fresh air – both of which are important for our innate immune system to function.
Vitamin D , which is produced when UV light comes into contact with our skin, is essential for the function of our acquired (non-specific) immune system. Vitamin D activates the so-called killer cells in the body, which are there to fight pathogens. If we cannot produce enough vitamin D, due to limited exposure to sunlight or our diet, then our killer cells remain in a dormant state and our immune system is less effective.
All of these circumstances can weaken both our specific and non-specific immune systems and increase the risk of infections. A healthy and varied diet, physical exercise, sufficient sleep and social interactions are important factors that help strengthen our immune system and keep it healthy.
Changes in the intestinal flora due to stress
The intestine is one of the main players in our immune system and has a strong influence on our general well-being. The GALT , the gut-associated immune system, is particularly important for the immune system as a whole. Between 70 and 80% of the cells that produce antibodies are found in our intestinal mucosa. Our GALT is not only activated and trained by coming into contact with organisms, but is also subject to other factors, such as our emotional state of mind.
Fewer social interactions can lead to frustration and emotional distress, which in turn has a negative impact on our immune system. Stress, grief and mental strain cause our bodies to produce and release cortisol - a stress hormone.
The stress hormone cortisol has a variety of effects on intestinal activity and the gut-associated immune system. When we are stressed, our body and hormone balance go into "fight or flight" mode - this leads to all processes in the body being shut down in order to send enough energy to the muscles, and the intestines only function to a limited extent or even stop working completely. This also affects the immune activity of the GALT. If our gut-associated immune system is weakened or its activity is restricted, we become more susceptible to infections.
The lockdown has inevitably had a negative impact on our specific and non-specific immune systems. Fewer social contacts and distancing have meant that our immune systems have been less trained. Likewise, the lack of social interactions and the associated emotional stress have led to a stress-related restriction of the gut-associated immune system in many people and consequently to a weakening of our defenses.
It is therefore important to take active measures to protect and strengthen our immune system during and especially after a lockdown.
How can we strengthen our immune system after the pandemic?
A balanced and nutrient-rich diet, regular outdoor exercise and sufficient sleep are important factors that can help strengthen our immune system. Mental stimulation and social interactions should also be maintained at an appropriate level to allow our immune system to continue learning and also maintain our emotional health.
After the long period we have all spent in contact restrictions and during which many of us have been exposed to immense stress, it is more important than ever to take care of our health and well-being by looking after our immune systems.
supply of “good” intestinal bacteria
In order to strengthen and maintain our gut-specific immune system, we can consume good gut bacteria - the so-called probiotic bacterial cultures . We strengthen the good bacteria in our gut with fiber by consuming it with food.
Porridge , for example, is ideal for this as it is full of healthy fibre. We recommend eating the porridge warm as warm food also relieves the strain on our immune system as the body's energy can be used more efficiently as less energy is needed for the digestive process.
Protein Porridge ORGANIC from BE THE CHANGE – i.e The smart power breakfast – a delicious, nutritious mix of high-quality ingredients for an energetic start to the day with a low glycemic response
absorb antibodies
You may have already noticed that your immune system is weakened. Fortunately, through certain foods and supplements we can supply antibodies to make it easier for our immune system to recover.
Colostrum is excellent for this. Colostrum is the first substance that is given to a newborn after pregnancy. Colostrum is the first milk and contains antibodies, lactoferrin, amino acids and many other nutrients in concentrated form. The antibodies (immunoglobulins) contained in colostrum support our specific as well as our non-specific immune system.
vitamins
Vitamins are known to be essential for our health and immune system. They are involved in numerous metabolic processes in our immune system. Without an adequate supply of vitamins, the immune system cannot function. When supplementing with vitamins, it is important to pay attention to their quality.
Our high-quality vitamin capsules offer an ideal supplement for the effective supply of all important vitamins, minerals and trace elements that are important for the functioning of our immune system.
Our vitamins, minerals and trace elements can provide additional support to the immune system, particularly in times of stress and a weakened immune system. The vitamin capsules are produced sustainably and locally in Switzerland and are of natural origin.
