The inflammatory response

This reaction is part of a process called an inflammatory response; it corresponds to the widening of the blood vessels, which is necessary to facilitate the massive arrival of the fighting cells. It is therefore a transient and completely normal phenomenon, even if it is accompanied by signals which may appear worrying (heat, redness, swelling and pain).

The white blood cells that arrive first are part of the innate immune system and have therefore never before been exposed to pathogens. As a result, they are not very good at distinguishing the enemy and tend to aim wide. Surgical strikes are entrusted to white blood cells belonging to the acquired immune system, B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. The B lymphocytes produce antibodies, that is to say proteins capable of pinpointing the enemy precisely in order to destroy it. T lymphocytes are responsible for cleaning the place by destroying infected cells without reaching nearby healthy cells.

Once their work is completed, a good number of the lymphocytes die, but those who survive keep a memory of their attacker, a precious faculty that science exploits for the development of vaccines.

Sufficient sleep is vital to be more resistant

This relentless fight against infectious agents is sometimes unbalanced, especially in periods of insomnia, fatigue or stress. It is well known that a good rest is essential for the proper functioning of the body. The different phases of sleep help the body to recharge its batteries, process and then store the information recorded throughout the day and somehow restore our memory. In addition, while we sleep, our body produces hormones that have a supporting effect on the immune system.

When our nights do not allow us to recover properly, our body is weakened, which predisposes it to infections. Moreover, there is sometimes a negative impact on weight, since sleep deficit tends to stimulate the secretion of the appetite-inducing hormone (called ghrelin), while inhibiting the satiety hormone (leptin). Chronic insomnia, persistent fatigue, scarring problems and/or recurrent infections (colds, cystitis, etc.) are signs likely to be linked to a weakening of the immune defenses and should therefore not be taken lightly.  Preserving your immune system is of even greater importance as you grow older, as aging is naturally accompanied by a decrease in the performance of the body's defense mechanisms against pathogens.

Food, vitamins and probiotics are your best allies

Nutrition is your primary protector. A diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables helps strengthen our immune system, while reducing the oxidative stress generated by the elimination of pathogens.  Apart from Vitamin C which is of course key for the immune system, Vitamin E and Beta-carotene are also essential as antioxidant. Low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with worsening autoimmune diseases. If you are not able to get enough sunlight, you should ask for advice regarding D3 dosage.  But also, the probiotics naturally present in fermented milks (e.g. yogurts, white cheeses) and available in the form of food supplements are precious allies. Their consumption helps fight the proliferation of unwanted germs in the intestine.  Saving your digestive system therefore boosts your immune system. In fact, an increasing number of studies have established a link between a diverse microbiota and an optimal functioning of our immune defenses.

You should cherish your immunity all year long

It is obviously desirable to have good immunity at all times. But everyone goes through delicate periods of heavy physical, nervous or intellectual solicitation. This increased immune stress often coincides with the start of a new season (influenza in winter, spring allergies, summer skin rash, ...), but it can happen at any time of the year, depending on life events and of course on unique health situation like the Covid-19. It is important to have a year-long mindful approach to sustain your body with preventative efforts to alert the immune system for the time of contact with pathogens.

Preparation

• Step 1 - Prepare the cauliflower puree: boil the cauliflower then puree in a blender with salt and olive oil.

• Step 2- Prepare the basic stuffing for the mushrooms : mix the tofu with lemon juice, salt, pepper, olive oil and water to obtain tofu cream. Next add the crushed tempeh to the mixture along with some chopped herbs.

• Step 3 - Divide the basic stuffing into 3 and then stuff the mushrooms.
Stuffing 1 : add the chopped taggiasche olives.
Stuffing 2 : add the chopped rehydrated ceps.
Stuffing 3 : add the crushed roasted hazelnuts.

• Step 4 - Steam the stuffed mushrooms for around 2 minutes.

• Step 5 - Put the heated cauliflower cream on a deep plate and place the stuffed mushrooms on top. Before serving, decorate the plate with a mix of shoots and/or flowers.
 

Pomegranate is an abundant source of various bioactive compounds with numerous beneficial  health effects. The beneficial effects of pomegranate constituents are associated with the  components: ellagic acid, ellagitannins, punicic acid, anthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and flavones  which seem to have the strong therapeutic effects. The healing properties of pomegranate include  antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumoral effects. 

Selenium is a crucial element which is needed for both natural and acquired immune system. Selenium is an important cofactor of selenoproteins, important for regulating immune defense. Mains sources of selenium are brazil nuts, oysters, mussels, seeds.