Your body actually does these things
A human body is a complex structure which can be difficult to fully understand. The body comprises various biological cycles and systems, and self-defense mechanisms are just one such system.
Generally, self-defense mechanisms are mainly brought by the unconscious mind as a natural survival skill.
These mechanisms protect everyone from physical harm and help us lead a healthy life.
Here are few things your body does in self-defense.
1. Fever
Although it will cause discomfort, fever is another nonspecific defense mechanism of the human body in response to numerous traumas. It causes a limited rise in body temperature to reduce the replication of viruses and other pathogens. It is usually caused by an infection like the flu or a urinary tract infection.
When the viruses and bacteria enter into your body and cause injury to the tissues, the immune system responds by producing several circulating substances called as pyrogens.
These chemicals affect the brain’s hypothalamus which regulates body temperature. They alter the temperature sensors and trick them into thinking that the body is cooler than the normal. In response, the hypothalamus raises the body’s temperature and you get a fever.
A fever with an unknown underlying cause or that lasts longer than a few days should be thoroughly checked by a doctor to rule out the possibility of a serious medical condition like HIV and some cancers.
2. Scabbing
When you are suffering from a cut or wound, your skin becomes vulnerable to attack by bacteria and also other micro-organisms that can enter through the wound. To protect against infection by the pathogens, the body develops a scab in order to quickly close the wound.
Basically, a scab is a mesh of fibrin protein in which platelets are stuck. Blood platelets are a small structure in blood that aid in wound healing.
Platelets also help to combat bacteria and contribute to protection against infection.
Gradually, as the wound heals, tissue regeneration pushes out the scab which will eventually fall off.
3. Sneezing
Sneezing is also another natural mechanism that the human body does in self-defense.
Normally, one person sneezes when the nasal passages fill up with too many allergens, microbes, dust, animal dander or other irritants. Through sneezing, the total body gets rid of them.
Sneezing is a common symptom of colds and chronic allergies. Some people even sneeze when they eat a really big meal or when they are exposed to sunlight.
The process of sneezing is very powerful. The air from a human sneeze will travel at speeds of 100 miles per hour or more. This can spread germs a long distance and this is the reason why experts recommend covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze.
4. Hiccupping
Hiccups are an involuntary action which almost everyone experiences in their lifetime. It is also considered a self-defense mechanism.
Eating very fast, swallowing large pieces of food or overeating can also lead to hiccups. This is because such acts can irritate the pneumogastric nerve in the body, which is closely linked to the stomach and diaphragm. A bout of hiccups works as a natural mechanism to protect your diaphragm and also stomach.
Generally, hiccups are triggered by the presence of air in the stomach in infants. For adults, hiccups reflect a persistence of an infantile reflex and a reminder that we may have eaten too quickly.
5. “Pruney” Fingers
Surprisingly, even the wrinkles which are appeared on the skin of your hands or on those pruney fingers also play an essential role in your body’s self-defense toolkit.
When the body comes in contact with an increased amount of the moisture, the brain understands that the environment might be slippery. This leads to change in the skin on your both hands, making it wrinkled.
The wrinkled fingers and toes might have helped our ancestors handle tools in rainy conditions or have a steadier footing in wet conditions, providing an advantage over others animals.
6. Goosebumps
Shivers or Goosebumps down the spine arise in many different situations, but they are also a part of self-defense.
It mainly appears to reduce the amount of heat the human body loses through the pores of the skin.
However, you may also get goosebumps during the stressful moments or when feeling intense emotions.
Goosebumps occur due to the contraction of arrector pili muscles which are located around the hairs in the dermis of the skin. The brain generally understands the danger and it affects the hypothalamus, the section of the human brain that controls certain nervous system functions.
7. Yawning
Yawning mostly occurs before sleep and also after sleep, during tedious activities and as a result of its contagious quality. It is often related to tiredness, boredom, stress, sleepiness, and also hunger.
However, the main purpose of yawning is to cool down the brain.
Just as you attempt to make the best food and exercise choices for your body you should also practice good self-defense. You are your own bodyguard in the realm of your health and in the world of self-defense.
Thank you for the info.