9 Strange Things Our Body Does That Are Defense Mechanisms We Never Realized! Check This Out!

The human body is very complex and regular people don’t often understand its inner workings.

Some of our involuntary movements and functions are actually strange and discreet defense mechanisms for our bodies that we never knew about.

Check out this fascinating list that will make you realize how much your body has fought for your survival!

1. Yawning

Did you know that yawning is more than just an indicator of doziness? Yawning is purportedly intended to allow the brain to cool down after an overwhelming amount of work that may have caused it to overload.

2. Sneezing

Sneezing is another defense mechanism that rids our nasal passages of trash such as allergens, microbes, dust and other irritants.

3. Stretching

Whether we realize it or not, stretching is instinctive, as it prepares the body for anticipated physical work. It also restores blood flow and contributes to having a good mood.

4. Hiccupping

Hiccups are actually linked to the body’s stomach and diaphragm. They normally occur when the body’s pneumogastric nerve becomes irritated due to overeating, swallowing food in large amounts or eating too fast.

5. Myoclonic jerks

Sometimes your body is jolted by strange and unfamiliar feelings, similar to getting shocked by electric bolts, amidst sleep or before completely dozing off. Well apparently this is also a defense mechanism that saves you from death when your breathing falls, your pulse slows down and the muscles in your body relax. Your body saves you through a jolt in the form of an electric shock.

6. Wrinkling of the skin

Whenever the body realizes that the amount of moisture around us increases, it adapts through the wrinkling of the skin. The wrinkling is a normal bodily reaction that makes the grip on smooth and slippery surfaces easier.

7. Loss of memory

Oftentimes after a particularly painful experience, our brain looks for a way to ease or escape the pain. One way it does this is through loss of memory, wherein it deletes the unpleasant encounters from our psyche.

8. Goosebumps

Goosebumps are another way for the body to adapt. It normally occurs in cold climates wherein the amount of heat our body loses is reduced.

9. Tears

This may seem obvious, but tears are the body’s tools meant for emotional defense. According to scientists, the body finds a way to ease or distract the person from pain through a different yet strong source of irritation.

Source: TNP, Brightside