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Your Immune System
The human immune system is the body's natural defense against bacteria, parasites, viruses, and other nasty bugs. From the epidermis, or skin, to the millions of cells beneath it that ward off infections, the body is always on guard.
Even before birth, our bodies are preparing to fight viruses. While in the womb, babies receive antibodies from their mothers. These antibodies strengthen immune systems, but only for the first few months of life. Under normal circumstances, our immune systems grow stronger as we age, but many factors can weaken our defenses.
A weak immune system may not respond as it should to foreign invasions, such as those bugs mentioned earlier. If the bugs break through the lines, the immune system then has to fight. Pus, tenderness, swelling, phlegm, and mucous are all signs that the body's defenses are at work, trying to reclaim good health. So not only is a strong immune system important for warding off sickness, it also fights for the return of wellness when illness attacks.
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