system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: What makes the body decompose? What is it that prevents us from decomposing while alive?
gpt
Decomposition is the breaking down of tissue and/or organic matter by microbes like bacteria. Your body, while alive, has an immune system to kill bacteria, as well as the capability to heal and repair any damage (within reason). Once you’re dead, the immune system and healing stops, which means bacteria grow unchecked and whatever damage they do doesn’t get fixed.