Disease resistance

What is disease resistance?

Disease resistance refers to the ability of an organism to limit the severity or development of an infection. Organisms have complex biological mechanisms that provide protection against harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

There are two main types of disease resistance:

• Innate immunity - Also called natural or native immunity. This is the basic resistance to disease that a species is born with. It includes physical barriers like skin and chemical barriers like antimicrobial enzymes.


• Acquired immunity - Also called adaptive or specific immunity. This is resistance that develops over time after exposure to a pathogen. The immune system builds a memory of the threat so it can mount a stronger response upon subsequent exposures.

Enhancing disease resistance is an important goal in fields like agriculture and medicine. Breeding crops with genetic resistance helps reduce reliance on pesticides. And supporting immune function in humans can help prevent and fight illness.

At Harmony Hormone Clinic, we help patients optimize hormonal balance to support health and wellness. Hormones like testosterone, estrogen, cortisol and melatonin help regulate immune function. Our integrative therapies can enhance disease resistance by reducing inflammation and stress, improving sleep, supporting gut health, and more!

Back to disease resistance mechanisms...

The key players in acquired immunity are:

• Lymphocytes - Specialized white blood cells that adapt to recognize specific pathogens. The main types are B cells and T cells.


• Antibodies - Y-shaped proteins secreted by B cells that bind to foreign substances like bacteria and viruses, marking them for destruction.

Lymphocytes have antigen receptors on their surface that can recognize unique structures on pathogens called antigens. When a lymphocyte binds to an antigen, it becomes activated and triggers an immune response.

This response may include:

• Proliferation of lymphocytes to build an army against the invader


• Secretion of antibodies


• Release of cytokines to recruit other immune cells like macrophages


• Direct killing of infected cells by cytotoxic T cells

Over time, some lymphocytes differentiate into memory cells, allowing for a stronger and faster response to subsequent infections. This immunologic memory is the basis for the effectiveness of vaccines.

By understanding the mechanisms of disease resistance, researchers can develop medical interventions that support immune function. Adequate nutrition, regular exercise, stress reduction, and proper supplementation of vitamins and minerals are all important for optimizing resistance.

At Harmony Hormone Clinic, our physicians take an integrative approach to reinforcing the immune system's defenses against illness and infection. Contact us today to learn more about our therapies to enhance disease resistance and live your healthiest life!