The body’s shield against infections

The immune system is the body’s defence against infections and germs that makes us sick. Usually, it runs in the background of daily life, but it is affected by many factors, including external ones like stress and diet.

Stress is a common response when the body finds itself in unfamiliar environments. Prolonged exposure to stress can affect the body in numerous ways, including disrupting sleep patterns. Over time, this chronic stress can weaken the body's defensive mechanisms, making it more susceptible to illness.

One of the major tools for the immune system are white blood cells, also called leukocytes, which help to fight off infections and sickness. They find and defeat harmful germs and help the body stay healthy. Understanding these dynamics not only benefits astronauts in space but can also enhance our knowledge of the impact of stress on human health here on Earth.

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