To get sick you just need to be healthy. The truth is that diseases are the order of the day. They have existed since the beginning of human history and, although many have been combated and eradicated, others have resurfaced with much more force, without taking into account the new ones that make an appearance every year. Some diseases, just as they arrive, they leave. However, there are others that, if not treated in time, could cause serious consequences and even lead to death, as is the case with cancer. Other diseases are highly contagious and therefore spread through the population very quickly. In order to combat these diseases, a large number of medicines and medical treatments of all kinds have been devised. However, despite all the efforts made, man has not been able to eradicate the disease from the earth and, with difficulty, he will be able to do so one day. But have you ever wondered why some people get sick while others don’t? Why do some people seem to enjoy better health? What factors influence it? For what is this? Some think that this is thanks to the antibodies that the person has developed.
If you are not familiar with medical vocabulary, this concept may seem strange and even ambiguous to you, and many more when you realize that super antibodies also exist. Would you like to know what antibodies and super antibodies are? If so, don’t let the parrot go away! During this article, we will be developing both concepts. So that, when you finish reading it, you will have enough knowledge to master them and use them in your daily vocabulary. Also, by being more aware of what they are, you can take the necessary steps to strengthen them and enjoy good health.
Instructions
In the case of antibodies, we can say that they are proteins that make up the immune system and that circulate in the blood. They are responsible for neutralizing foreign substances in the body at the same time it detects them, such as viruses, bacteria and toxins. When the body has been exposed to a particular foreign substance or antigen, the antibodies that are produced to attack it remain in the blood and continue to offer protection, should it come into contact with the same antigen again in the future. It is a defense tool for host cells, that is, for those that can be affected by pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria. Those responsible for producing the antibodies are the B-cell lymphocytes. Regarding its structure, it consists of two light and two heavy chains and at its end contains a hypervariable region, which changes from one antibody to another and makes it possible for there to be a large number of antibodies that can respond to the attack of the different antigens. However, sometimes the body can become confused and consider its own structure as a foreign substance. This phenomenon gives rise to autoimmune diseases. In this case, the body will create antibodies against its own parts. In relation to super antibodies, they are also known by the name of neutralizing antibodies and are the ones that help block the infectious cells of the new coronavirus. These antibodies act against the spike protein of the coronavirus, which is what causes the pathogen to adhere to human cells and enter them. In fact, they could even eliminate the infection. However, it is noteworthy that these neutralizers are only found in less than 5% of patients. Given their scarcity, researchers are studying the possibility of cloning the cells that produce them to generate the particles en masse and reinject them into sick patients. Now, it should be noted that there are several types of antibodies and you need to know them.
What do you need
Each of the existing antibodies defends the organism against a specific antigen. Some of the antibodies are as follows:
Immunoglobulin G
This is one of the 5 classes of humoral antibodies that exist. They are produced by the same organism and it is the most abundant in the internal fluids of the body, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid and that which is present in the abdominal cavity. This protein is synthesized by the body to respond to the attack of bacteria, fungi and viruses, and has a lifespan of approximately 25 days.
Immunoglobulin A
This class of antibody is predominant in the mucous secretions present in the body, such as saliva, tears, milk, etc., and has a dimeric form. In the case of blood, it is found as a monomeric molecule. This protein ensures that pathogens do not enter the blood plasma by acting as a protective wall. It joins forces with pathogenic antigens and prevents them from harboring in the mucosa.
Immunoglobulin M
It is found in the blood of 6% of the population. On the other hand, it is present in amphibians, reptiles and birds and is considered one of the oldest antibodies in evolutionary history.
Immunoglobulin E
This type of antibody is only present in mammalian animals. It is involved in allergy and in the affective immune response against infectious agents, but especially parasites. That is why its levels are very high in allergic patients and in those who suffer from some parasitosis.
Immunoglobulin D
This protein is not secreted by plasma cells. It is present on most circulating B lymphocytes and indicates that the naïve B cells are ready to come into contact with a pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria. Since you now know how many types of antibodies there are, the question arises: how can we increase our antibodies? Is there any way to do it?
Tips
Actually, there are many things you can do to increase the number of antibodies in your body and always stay healthy. One of them has to do with eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Among the most recommended foods are the following: Oranges: thanks to the amount of vitamin C it contains, it is not only capable of increasing the number of antibodies produced, but also prevents viruses from entering the body. Garlic: stimulates the production of antibodies at the same time that it makes them stronger. Salmon: contributes to the stimulation of the immune system and promotes internal healing of the body. All this makes it help prevent the body from becoming infected. Broccoli: since it is a food rich in vitamin E, it is responsible for producing antibodies capable of destroying cancer cells. Not only that, but it also prevents the development of cardiovascular disease. Oysters: since they are rich in zinc, they increase strength and the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections, but also for releasing antibodies in the system.
Zinc is very important, especially in the case of the elderly, since the number of infection-reducing antibodies they are capable of generating is very low. Carrots: the beta carotene present in this food increases the antibodies that fight against infections and cancer. In addition, it attacks free radicals that accelerate the aging process and reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Whole grains: this type of food contains selenium, a mineral that generates an increase in the production of antibodies that are responsible for fighting cancer cells. In addition, it strengthens those already existing in the body. Other foods that are also rich in selenium are brown rice, egg yolks, chicken breast, cheese, etc.