Prevention of disease highly depends on the body’s immune system.  The immune system is the body’s defense against pathogenic bacteria, virus, parasites, and environmental toxins.  In most developed countries, people are aware of rationale behind immunization against bacteria and virus.  However the more basic first line of defense is often forgotten.

The natural defense consists of barriers, elimination, fever, and friendly flora.  Barriers include skin and mucus membranes.  If the skin is healthy then invaders cannot penetrate.  Mucus membranes are present to block entry harmful chemicals and microbial agents.  Mucus is formed to protect the body.  The body has reflexive actions such as vomiting and diarrhea to eliminate harmful substances from the body.  Fever is produced to inactivate bacteria and virus as well as increase the action of the immune system.

There are billions of bacteria colonizing the skin, hair, respiratory tract and digestive tract.  In fact the number of bacterial cells that live on our bodies is greater than the number of cells of our own bodies.   These bacteria are meant to be our friends.  They prevent pathogenic bacteria from colonizing and attacking us.  They even produce vitamins and help process foods to aid in our digestion.  These friendly bacteria are a forgotten equation in our immune system.