This week we are exploring how we can build a strong immune system. But first we want to be sure you understand what your immune system is.

1. Innate immunity system  The first level is called the innate immune system. This system provides a quick first line of defence and acts against a wide range of pathogens. The innateimmunity system refers to nonspecific defence mechanisms that come into playimmediately or within hours of an antigen's appearance in the body. These mechanisms include physical barriers such as skin, chemicals in the blood, andimmune system cells that attack foreign cells in the body. The chemical properties of the antigen activate the innate immune response. 

2. Adaptive Immune System   The second main level of immunity is called the adaptive immune system. This levelrefers to antigen-specific immune response. The adaptive immune response ismore complicated than innate. The antigen first must be processed and recognized. Once an antigen is identified, the adaptive immune system creates an army of immune cells specifically designed to attack that antigen. Adaptive immunity also includes a "memory" that makes future responses against a specific antigen more efficient. 

To sum it up:

Antigen - Anything that causes an immune response is called an antigen. An antigen may be harmless, such as grasspollen, or harmful, such as the flu virus.  

Pathogen - Disease-causing antigens are called pathogens. The immune system is designed to protect the body from pathogens.

Stay tuned for the next post where we outline the best steps you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy.