The immune system is the body’s natural defense against infection and disease. Fortunately, most people have a functioning immune system, but some people are born without it. These people are not born with a disorder, but they do not have any immune system at all. They may exhibit symptoms that mimic those of diseases, such as the common cold. Here are 3 interesting facts about the immune system. All of these facts are important for your overall health.
Our immune system matures during our childhood, reaching full maturity around age seven or eight. While our immune system works well when we’re young, as we age, our immune systems tend to decline. Fortunately, there are things you can do to increase the strength of your immune system. Learn about the three major functions of the immune system. Once you know what the immune system does, you can improve the way it fights disease.
The immune system recognizes many things, not just infections. Immune cells have receptors on their outer shells that allow them to detect their surroundings. They recognize infected cells, tiny bits of bacteria or viruses, and compounds in the body. They also recognize damage to the DNA of cells exposed to sunlight. The immune system also has two main types of cells: innate and adaptive. By recognizing these types of threats, your body can fight infections.
