What does IG mean in PHYSIOLOGY

Immunoglobulin, more commonly known as antibodies, are proteins produced by the immune system to defend against foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. Antibodies bind to their target and neutralize the threat by either destroying the antigen directly or marking it for destruction by other cells of the immune system.

Immunoglobulins recognize invading pathogens and attach to them. This process is known as antigen recognition, where the body recognizes a particular molecule (antigen) on an invader as unique and identifies it as a foreign pathogen. Once attached, they can trigger an immune response or block toxins from entering healthy cells.

The four main types of immunoglobulins are IgM, IgG, IgE and IgA. IgM are typically responsible for early infections; IgG form later in infection and provide long-term protection; IgE alerts the body in allergic reactions; and IgA is primarily found in mucous membranes like those that line your nose, mouth, throat and intestines.

Immunity is your body's defense against infection and disease by recognizing foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses that can make you sick. Through immunity, your body will produce specific molecules called antibodies or immunoglobulins that identify these pathogens and fight off infection before it has a chance to take hold.

Vaccines contain weakened versions of a virus or microbe that triggers our bodies to create immunoglobulins which ‘remember' how to fight off future encounters with this virus or microbe should it enter again. By creating these immunoglobulins beforehand, we're building immunity so when we do encounter the real germ later on, our bodies have already built up protection against it before it can cause serious damage.

Common infectious diseases caused by immunodeficiencies include HIV/AIDS, common viral illnesses such as colds and flu; bacterial infections such as meningitis; fungal infections such as candida infections; parasitic infections such as malaria; and certain cancers related to uncontrolled replication of infected cells due to weak immunity response.

Your best bet for boosting your immune system naturally is through lifestyle changes rather than supplementation. Things such as getting regular exercise, managing stress levels, eating a balanced diet filled with colorful fruits & vegetables, getting adequate sleep each night (7-9 hours), drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding smoking & excess alcohol consumption are all important steps towards maintaining optimal health & boosting immunity levels.

Yes — experiencing high levels of chronic stress can weaken our immunity over time as there is an inflammatory response associated with prolonged stress which reduces our ability to fight off infection effectively.

While some dietary supplements may provide benefits in supporting overall health including Vitamin C or Zinc which have been shown to reduce duration & severity of symptoms associated with certain types of illnesses — they should not be used in place of regular medical care or sound lifestyle practices.