Immunity is considered high when the immune system is overactive and reacting too strongly.
The term "high immunity" can be misleading because while a strong immune system is generally beneficial, an *overly* strong immune response can actually be harmful. The reference text states, "your immune system may react too strongly to invaders (real or perceived)". This overreaction doesn't mean the immunity is good, but rather it's misfiring.
What Happens When Immunity is "Too High"?
When the immune system reacts too strongly, it can manifest in several ways:
- Attacking When No Invader is Present: The immune system might trigger an attack even when there's no actual pathogen or harmful substance, leading to inflammation and damage.
- Continued Attack After Invader is Gone: The immune response can persist even after the threat has been eliminated, causing ongoing inflammation and potential tissue damage.
- Autoimmune Diseases: An overactive immune system can start attacking the body's own cells and tissues, resulting in autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis.
- Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions, where the body reacts excessively to usually harmless substances (like pollen or pet dander), are also a sign of an overactive immune system.
Understanding the Spectrum of Immune Response
It is important to understand that immunity is not about being "high" or "low" but rather about balance. A healthy immune system:
- Effectively fights off infections.
- Recognizes and tolerates harmless substances.
- Quits attacking once a threat is neutralized.
An overly strong, or "high" immune response, on the other hand, indicates an imbalance that can be detrimental. It’s not the strength of the response, but its accuracy and appropriateness that matter for good health.
Examples of When "High" Immunity is Problematic:
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Autoimmune Diseases | The body's immune system attacks its own tissues. |
| Allergies | The body overreacts to harmless substances. |
| Chronic Inflammation | Ongoing immune response causing tissue damage and other health problems. |
