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Did you already know this about your resistance?

Did you already know this about your resistance?

There are many fun facts about your resistance. Because, for example, did you know that your resistance has a kind of memory and a weight?

Common colds

Do you feel that your resistance is failing you because you often have a cold? Boost your resistance with extra fruit. Research shows that sufficient vitamin C intake halves the risk of an upper respiratory infection.

Read also: 'Resistance from a jar'

Weight

If you were to weigh your immune system, it would be no less than 10 percent of your total body weight.

Cold viruses

There are between 80 and 100 different cold viruses. Wondering why you catch a cold every year? That's because a virus comes along that you haven't had yet.

Does a flu shot make sense?

There are quite a few prejudices about the flu shot:for example, it is given too often or does not work at all. What is true now? Ger Rijkers:“Young people in good health do not need a flu shot. But if you are older or if you have an underlying disease that weakens your immune system, such as diabetes, it is really advisable to have the shot. Research shows that it makes your resistance a hundred times stronger.”

Lymphocytes, what are they? And what does it have to do with your resistance?

Your blood is made up of plasma containing red and white blood cells. The white blood cells have a function in the immune system. The most important group of white blood cells for the immune system are lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are in the blood and lymph nodes, in your tonsils, the spleen, around your lungs and your intestines.

There are two types:the T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. The T lymphocytes are made in the thymus, B lymphocytes are made in the bone marrow. B lymphocytes can mature into plasma cells and then make antibodies. These substances are important for the defense against bacteria. T lymphocytes can kill virus-infected cells and are therefore important for the defense against viruses.

Memory

The great thing about the immune system is that it has a memory:if a disease maker comes along again, it immediately goes on the attack.

Text Priscilla Borgers | Image:shutterstock