Immunity, derived from the Latin word "immunitas," meaning release or exemption, is the body’s innate defense mechanism against external and internal biologically active agents known as antigens.
The primary objective of immunity is to uphold the stability of the body’s internal environment, known as homeostasis. Antigens encompass a broad spectrum of substances foreign to the body, including debris from disease-causing microorganisms, toxins from plants and animals, dead or degenerated cells, and other foreign substances.
The immune system operates as a sophisticated biological network tasked with safeguarding organisms from diseases by detecting and responding to various pathogens, cancer cells, and foreign bodies while discerning them from healthy tissue.
It comprises two primary subsystems:
- The innate immune system provides a generalized response to a wide array of threats. This inherent capability enables the immune system to promptly confront diverse high-risk factors. (However, the question arises: why does the immune system weaken over time, compromising its innate abilities?)
- The adaptive immune system furnishes tailored protection by recognizing previously encountered molecules. (In essence, a robust immune system possesses the capacity to independently encounter and combat various viruses and bacteria, without reliance on antibiotics or synthetic chemicals, thereby enabling self-learning of adaptive reactions)
Here are some signs that your immune system may be struggling:
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Your Stress Level is Sky-High: Long-term stress weakens the responses of your immune system by decreasing the body’s lymphocytes, white blood cells that help fight off infection.
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You Always Have a Cold: Constantly catching colds or having a cold that won’t go away may indicate that your immune system is struggling to keep up.
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You Have Lots of Tummy Troubles: Frequent diarrhea, gas, or constipation could signal a compromised immune system, as nearly 70% of your immune system is located in your digestive tract.
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Your Wounds Are Slow to Heal: Slow wound healing may occur if your immune system is sluggish, as healthy immune cells are necessary for the regeneration of new skin.
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You Have Frequent Infections: Battling frequent infections, such as ear infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, or needing multiple courses of antibiotics per year, could indicate an immune deficiency.
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You Feel Tired All the Time: Persistent fatigue, even with adequate sleep, may suggest that your immune system is working overtime to fight off germs.
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