Author: Zac Ch’ng, Nutritionist

Immune system is a complex network of organ, tissue, cells, and proteins that protect the body from infections, and diseases.

In a layman terms, the system is able to identify self from non-self, hence defending our body against invaders, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and foreign harmful substances, which are collectively known as pathogens. As a result, the immune system produces antibodies to kill them.

Besides, the Immune system also protects the body from cell changes (neoplasm), it helps distinguish cancer cells from healthy cells and eliminating them, thus helps to protect against cancer.

After early childhood, most immune cells are produced from the bone marrow. Many important immune cell types have been identified. Among them, the key player is the white blood cells, also called leukocytes, they are stored in different places in the body, which are referred to as lymphoid organs. These include thymus, spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes etc.  

Immunity works in a coordinated fashion to respond to numerous threats from the environment. It is essential to good health, from the moment of conception, when the mother’s immune system starts protecting the growing baby, until old age.  It is important in providing protection against infection or targeting cancers.

What will happen when our immunity is deprived due to poor nourishment and lifestyle factors? The natural defence mechanism will be diminished, and one will then be subjected to morbidity and even mortality.

Continuous enhancement to human immune system can be achieved via the supplementation of nutrient substances that boost up immune activity. In this context, the medicinal mushroom with functional properties are highly recommended by scientist and experts as a daily remedy to keep us undefeatable.