Disease resistance - Balanced Hormones Clinic

What is Disease Resistance?

Disease resistance refers to an organism's ability to withstand or tolerate infection by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. It represents the body's defense mechanisms actively protecting against harmful invaders.

There are two primary types of disease resistance:

1. Genetic Resistance: This is an inherent, inborn ability to resist specific diseases, often inherited from ancestors. Certain individuals may possess natural resistance to particular malaria strains due to their genetic makeup.
2. Acquired Resistance: This develops over time through exposure to pathogens or vaccination. Vaccination, for example, introduces a weakened or inactive pathogen to stimulate the immune system, creating antibodies and memory cells for future defense.

Disease resistance can also be categorized as:

• Vertical Resistance: Resistance to a specific pathogen or strain.
• Horizontal Resistance: Broader, non-specific resistance against multiple pathogens.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle significantly contributes to robust disease resistance. A balanced diet, sufficient sleep, stress management, and regular physical activity all support a stronger immune system. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in disease prevention, training the body to recognize and combat specific pathogens. A strong immune system, whether through genetics or acquired immunity, is fundamental to overall health.