Synonyms
Definition
The benefits an individual receives due to its own immune system.
Introduction
The immune system is an essential biological system which ensures the survival of the organism by providing protection against offending agents (pathogens – including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.). Intactness of immune system is required for the survival of the individual. Optimal functioning of the immune system is essential for a healthy body. Either a compromised or overactive immune system can be associated with health hazards. A compromised immune system increases the vulnerability to acquire infections, whereas an overactive immune system has damaging effects on body’s own tissue (van der Most et al. 2011). Immune system and good health have a bidirectional relationship, one promoting the other (Murray 2013). Many factors related to day-to-day life (e.g., life style, exercise, diet, stress, substance use) influence the immune system (Murray 2013).
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Tripathy, S. (2021). Immune System Benefits. In: Shackelford, T.K., Weekes-Shackelford, V.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19650-3_831
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19650-3_831
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