Immune health describes the immune system’s ability to heal and preserve bodily function when confronted by infection, injury (wound healing), and even malignancy. Our body relies on multiple levels of defense. These levels include physical barriers (skin and mucous membranes), inflammatory response inflammation, cellular response, and cellular adaptation.[1] Moderation and balance in these different levels of defense are key to optimal immune health. When the immune response is inadequate, this can open the door for infection by harmful pathogens. In contrast, an overzealous immune response could break tolerance of the immune system to ‘self’ molecules in the body, resulting in autoimmune disease. When it comes to immune health, balance is the key.[2]
References
- ^Braun C, Anderson CApplied Pathophysiology: A conceptual approach to the mechanisms of disease, 3rd Edition(2017)
- ^Nicholson LBThe immune system.Essays Biochem.(2016-10-31)