Immune
Defense, inflammation, and resilience to illness.
Overview
The immune system defends against infection and injury and regulates inflammation. Well-calibrated immunity protects; chronic low-grade inflammation, by contrast, contributes to many age-related diseases.
Why it matters
Immune resilience shapes vulnerability to infection and, through chronic inflammation, cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Much of what supports it is foundational — sleep, activity, nutrition, and vaccination.
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How this usually unfolds
- Understand the system
- Know the key biomarkers
- Learn the common conditions
- Apply evidence-based interventions
Major functions
- Defense against pathogens
- Inflammation and tissue repair
- Immune memory (vaccination)
- Surveillance against abnormal cells
Common conditions
Prevention
- Stay up to date on vaccines
- Sleep and manage stress
- Correct nutrient deficiencies
- Maintain metabolic health
Improvement strategies
- Address chronic inflammation's causes
- Correct vitamin D deficiency where present
- Exercise and weight management
Explore this system across BioSignal
Related Foundations
Related Signal Records
Related biomarkers
Related peptide families
Related body systems
Related lifestyle interventions
Related diagnostics
Frequently asked questions
Can supplements 'boost' my immune system?
Correcting a genuine deficiency (like vitamin D when low) helps, but 'boosting' a healthy immune system with supplements has little strong evidence. Sleep, activity, and vaccination do more.
Is inflammation always bad?
No — acute inflammation is essential for healing and defense. It's chronic, low-grade inflammation that's linked to disease.
Educational information — not medical advice
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