Once the weather cools off, discussions shift from a run down of
the pollen count and other allergens to the importance of
shoring up the immune system. But what are we really talking
about when we discuss the immune system and can we really fine-
tune it to ward off illness? To enjoy these fun facts, perhaps
it’s best to first head back to school and gain a better
understanding of the immune system… Open your textbooks kids,
it’s time to learn: On the most basic level, the immune system
is a complex system of organs, tissues, cells, and cell products
that neutralize potentially pathogenic organisms or substances.
The immune system is essentially a three-layer system: - At its
most basic is the skin and mucous membranes, which act as a
physical barrier to prevent invasion from foreign bodies and
other antigens, such as parasites, bacteria, viruses and toxins.
- The second layer is known as the innate immune system, a
broad-acting, short-term, non-specific immune response to
pathogens such as bacteria or viruse