Disease resistance - Optimal Hormone Solutions

What is disease resistance?

Disease resistance refers to the ability of an organism to limit the negative impacts of a pathogen. Organisms have evolved various forms of defense mechanisms to resist the effects of infection and damage by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.

There are two main types of disease resistance:

• Innate immunity - General defenses present naturally in an organism to restrict pathogen entry and spread. These include physical and chemical barriers like skin, mucous membranes, stomach acid, and protective proteins called interferons.
• Acquired immunity - Defenses that recognize specific pathogens to mount targeted responses. These involve lymphocytes like B cells and T cells that can generate antibodies to mark pathogens for destruction. Memory cells allow faster future responses.

Vaccinations leverage acquired immunity to prime defenses against subsequent infections. They introduce weakened or dead pathogens so the immune system can gear up without risk of disease. Frequent hand washing, good hygiene and nutrition also bolster disease resistance.

At Optimal Hormone Solutions, we help clients optimize key hormones linked to immune function like testosterone, estrogen and growth hormone. Our comprehensive testing and bioidentical hormone therapies are tailored to enhance disease resistance holistically for improved vitality. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Additional factors influencing disease resistance include:

• Genetics - Many immune proteins and mechanisms are encoded in DNA.
• Age - Young and old individuals are more susceptible with underdeveloped or declining immunity.
• Stress - Chronic stress and cortisol release hamper immune defenses.
• Lifestyle - Diet, sleep and exercise habits affect readiness to combat pathogens.

Bolstering disease resistance is key to reducing risk, severity and duration of infectious illnesses. A multifaceted approach is best - good genes, healthy behaviors and monitoring key biomarkers like hormone levels that correlate with immune function. Proactive steps to support disease resistance lend to a higher quality of life.