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The power within us podcast episodes and more discussing immune health with world leading scientists and experts
THE IMMUNITY HUB

All you need to know about the 7 wonders of your immune system.

YOUR VERY OWN SUPERPOWER

It’s the first line of defence. It’s a microscopic army. It’s a thing of beauty. But what exactly is our immune system? However you choose to look at it, the immune system is one of nature’s marvels. And by understanding how it works, you can take better care of it – so it can take better care of you. We’re here to help. At Tonic, we believe we all have innate natural power inside of us. All we have to do is harness it. Not by relying on drugs or hoping for miracles. But by educating ourselves about immune health and following the best scientific advice.
THE 7 PARTS OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Breaking down the mystery of the Immune System, there are 7 key parts which make up an interconnected defense system in your body to help you stay healthy and thrive. Each part as integral as each other, the immune system is some of the most complex biological engineering known to man.

THE 7 PARTS OF YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

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WHITE BLOOD CELLS

These are your immune system’s star players – the Ronaldos and Messis, so to speak. They only account for about 1% of your blood, but white blood cells are effectively your immunity cells, keeping a lookout for unwanted microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
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ANTIBODIES

These are protective protein molecules that the immune system produces to attack microbes or the toxins created by them. Antibodies can tell that a particular microbe or toxin is an unwelcome invader due to the presence of foreign, disease-causing substances called antigens on the microbe’s surface or in the chemicals it produces.
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COMPLEMENT SYSTEM

As the name suggests, this system effectively complements antibodies’ antibacterial activity. It’s a complex system of more than 30 proteins, which react with each other to bind pathogens and prompt an inflammatory cascade response, helping to vanquish infectious microorganisms.
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LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

This web of delicate vessels throughout the body helps to keep bodily fluids in balance, in addition to defending against infections. It consists of lymph nodes that effectively filter harmful substances, using their immune cells (lymphocytes) to attack and destroy the germs that lymph fluid brings in.
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SPLEEN

The spleen is a fist-sized organ in the upper far left part of the abdomen, next to the stomach. It breaks down and removes old, abnormal or damaged cells, in addition to storing red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells. It also produces antibodies and lymphocytes that your body depends on to combat disease.
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BONE MARROW

The spongy tissue at the centre of your bones doesn’t seem like an obvious part of the immune system, but your bone marrow actually produces all three types of blood cell – red and white blood cells and platelets – that keep us healthy. White blood cells are especially important for fighting foreign invaders and infection.
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THYMUS

The thymus is a little-known organ situated just below the breast bone. Despite only being active until puberty – after which it begins to slowly shrink and be replaced by fat – the thymus gland is crucial due to its production of progenitor cells. These mature into T-cells, which are instrumental in the destruction of infected cells, while also assisting the growth of other organs in the immune system.

TOP VITAMINS FOR IMMUNE HEALTH

The most well researched and scientifically backed vitamins for Immune Health Vitamin C, D and Zinc. It's indisputable that they are essential for immune health yet we still often don't get enough.
Vitamin Levels
Vitamin C Oranges
VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient, supporting the function of the immune system in numerous ways. It also has an antioxidant effect, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress. Now, here’s the tricky part: our bodies don’t produce vitamin C, and they don’t store it for long. That’s what makes it so critical to get a regular supply, whether from fruit and veg or vitamin supplements. This is especially true when you’re ill, because sickness actually increases the body’s demand for vitamin C.

Sunshine for Vitamin D
VITAMIN D

Sunlight is our primary source of vitamin D. That’s handy when the weather’s nice, but outside of spring and summer it’s hard to get even the minimum recommended amount of vitamin D. Recent research has also shown people of colour to be particularly at risk of a vitamin deficiency, as darker skin takes longer to produce vitamin D from sunlight. As a result, supplementation is recommended by many experts and public health authorities, including Public Health England. Vitamin D has a host of benefits that include immune support as well as the maintenance of normal bones, teeth and muscle function.

Zinc at the oyster bar
ZINC

Zinc has a whopping 18 recognised health benefits, covering everything from DNA synthesis to macronutrient metabolism and cognitive function. Needless to say, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough of it. Lack of zinc in the diet is a worldwide problem that can lead to impaired immune function. Deficiency affects all aspects of the immune system and weakens our defences. According to recent research, short-term use of high-dose zinc supplements can help your immune defences in times of need, and helps tissues return to normal.

THE TOP THREATS TO IMMUNE HEALTH

Say a big thank you to your immune system – it’s working a lot harder than you realise. In fact, it’s protecting you from around 60,000 germs every single day. Your immune system is also under constant attack from a range of factors that can compromise its effectiveness. Learn to recognise them, and you can do your bit to keep your immune system at its best.

MODERN LIFE CAN TAKE IT'S TOLL

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STRESS

Stress is Public Enemy Number 1 for immune health. It’s a leading cause of imbalance in the system, which can weaken your defences.
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POOR DIET

Here’s one for the pub quiz: over 70% of immune cells are found in your gut. But don’t eat too much pub food. Plants, fibre, healthy fats, pre- and probiotics are the way forward.
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LACK OF SUNLIGHT

Vitamin D is widely recognised as one of the most important immune-supporting nutrients. Unfortunately, our main source is the sun, which means around ⅓ of the UK is deficient in the winter months.
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LACK OF SLEEP

Consistent sleep is also a must. It’s been shown that just one bad night’s sleep can cause the number of your immune system’s ‘natural killer’ cells to fall by as much as 70%.
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SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE

It’s a simple equation: more exercise equals fewer sick days. Studies show that people who exercise for 30-45 minutes a day experience a 40-50% reduction in the number of days they get ill.
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