Immune Health Flashcards
What are the key elements that contribute to effective immunity in the body?
Healthy barrier tissue integrity, antimicrobial secretions, probiotic bacteria, innate immune response, inflammation, and antigen presentation by APCs.
How do T-helper cells contribute to immune response, and what are the consequences of their over-activation?
T-helper cells can differentiate into Th1, Th2, Th17, or T-reg cells. Over-activation can lead to Th1 or Th2 dominance, causing chronic inflammation/autoimmunity or allergies/asthma.
What are the clinical indications and tests for low immunity, and how is low immunity assessed in a case history?
susceptibility to infections, fatigue, weight loss, and specific symptoms.
Tests: low WBC count, low sIgA, and positive pathogen/antibody tests. Case history assesses infection history and symptoms.
Explain the “Hygiene Hypothesis” and its association with immune programming.
The Hygiene Hypothesis suggests that pathogen exposure in neonates is crucial for immune development. Inadequate exposure is linked to increased atopic diseases and autoimmunity.
What factors contribute to compromised gut and microbiome health, impacting immune protection?
c-section, formula feeding, antibiotics, hygienic upbringing, dysbiosis, low sIgA, PPIs, NSAIDs, steroids, and impaired barrier defenses like tonsillectomy.
How does cortisol, influenced by emotional and physical stress, impact immune activity?
Elevated cortisol inhibits phagocytes, NK cells, and lymphocyte activity, compromising the immune response under emotional and physical stress.
What role does sleep play in immune function, and how does it influence cytokine production?
Sleep influences immune memory, anti-viral cytokines (IL-12/IFNγ), and inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6), impacting lymphocyte blastogenesis.
How can heavy metal toxicity affect immune function?
Heavy metal toxicity can inhibit lymphocyte proliferation, contributing to immune dysfunction.
What are the genetic factors (polymorphisms/SNPs) associated with low vitamin D status, and how can individuals with these factors be supported?
VDBP and VDR can impact vitamin D status.
Explain the principles of supporting immunity
reducing sugar, alcohol, caffeine, maintaining a healthy weight, regular activity, and supporting digestion with a high prebiotic diet.
How can fresh woodland or sea air contribute to supporting immunity, and what compounds play a role in this?
Fresh woodland or sea air contains phytoncides (plant antimicrobial compounds) and minerals, contributing to immune support.
What lifestyle modifications are recommended for supporting immunity?
supporting sleep, reducing stress, minimizing toxic exposure, and considering bed rest for energy conservation.
How does digestion and GI health play a vital role in supporting immunity, and what dietary recommendations are made?
Digestion and GI health support a healthy microbiome. Dietary recommendations include a high prebiotic diet, chewing well, and taking time to digest when relaxed.
How do T-helper cells exhibit crosstalk, and why is it important in maintaining a balanced immune response?
T-helper cells exhibit crosstalk, where Th1 downregulates Th2 and vice versa. Balanced crosstalk is crucial for maintaining a well-regulated immune response.
What is the role of antigen presentation in the immune system, and how does it bridge the innate and adaptive immune responses?
Antigen presentation by innate immune cells (APCs) bridges the innate and adaptive immune responses, allowing for a tailored immune reaction to specific threats.
Supplements for Immune support & dosages?
Vit A (2500-5000): lymphatic tissue and immune cells, maintain lung barrier function.
Vit C (buffered 1-5g): support innate/adaptive immune system + ↓ suceptibility to infection.
Zinc chelated(10-15): ↓ viral replication, permeability of barriers
Vit D3 (1000-2000iu): innate immune, T reg, ↓ IgG, self tolerence
Probiotics (1-30bn): boost sigA. Lacto, Sacc boulardii. Low level challenge to immune.
Reishi (immune cell, T cells, NK)/Chaga (anti-viral)/Shiitake (↑ phagocyte T cell NK cells interferons)/Maitake (↑Th1, macrophages, NK, anti-cancer)
Supplements to consider during infection to support immune?
Vit A (5000): anti-viral
Vit C (buffered 1g/hour up to 6 hours): inhibis viral multiplication
Zinc (15-30): anti-viral
Vit D (5000iu): antimicrobial peptide prod
Elderberry (3-8g): prevent viral cell entry. Phytochemicals
Echinaea (4000mg) Immune enhancing/ modulating, NK cells
Lysine (1-3g); ↓ viral replication esp herpes simplex.
What is a Cytokine Storm?
Cytokine Storm is an immune hyperresponsiveness characterized by an excess of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It can be triggered by various factors, including infections and viral illnesses.
How does Elderberry contribute to immune health during a viral infection?
Elderberry is antiviral, reduces viral load, lowers overall inflammation, and acts as a powerful antioxidant, potentially minimizing damage during infections.
What are the risk factors associated with more severe cases of COVID-19?
Risk factors for severe COVID-19 include obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, vitamins C, B6, selenium, zinc, DHA, and EPA).
How does dysbiosis relate to COVID-19, and what are the consequences of dysbiosis in this context?
Dysbiosis in COVID-19 is linked to the depletion of immunomodulatory gut bacteria, potentially leading to infection. It may result in metabolic endotoxaemia, aggravating inflammation.
Outline the Naturopathic approach for COVID-19, emphasizing lifestyle and dietary recommendations.
plant-based diet focus, adequate rest, stress reduction, immune support through probiotics and vitamins, and additional support for severe cases, targeting specific affected areas.
How does chronic inflammation manifest in the body, and what are the cardinal signs of inflammation?
pain, swelling, joint stiffness, redness, and heat. The cardinal signs of inflammation include redness, heat, edema, pain, and loss of function.