Immune Function Flashcards
What factors may affect immunity?
Physiological stress- exercise Psychological stress Environmental stress Exposure to pathogens - crowds, skin abrasions, Foreign travel Poor diet Poor sleep
What sports/athletes may be at larger risk of illness? And why?
Marathon runners, gymnastics, boxing
Gymnastics and boxing are likely to omit food groups and have low EI for weight making or ascetics and appearance.
Marathon runners undergo very intensive stress on the body for a long period of time which depresses the immune system
Why is CHO important for immune function?
Cells of the innate immune system rely heavily on glucose to function.
And low CHO availability increases cortisol - a stress hormone involved in immune suppression
What are the overall recommendations for immune function?
Stay hydrated, don’t have low energy availability, Vit D, Probiotics, Flavanoids, Bovine colostrum,
What are probiotics?
They are live microorganisms in foods eg. Yakut, that increase the amount of good bacteria in our gut.
What are polyphenols?
Plant derived nutrients with naturally occurring antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects
Why is bovine colostrum good for immune function?
It can enhance phagocytosis, attenuate cytokine production, and increase salivary secretory immunoglobulin A
