Immune Health - Low Immunity Flashcards
Q: What are some clinical signs of low immunity?
A: Increased susceptibility to infections, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, fevers, chills, aches, pains, enlarged lymph nodes, and site-specific symptoms like coughing or runny nose.
Q: What tests can indicate low immunity?
A: Low WBC count (blood), low sIgA (stool/saliva), and positive pathogen or antibody tests (e.g., hepatitis, EBV, STDs, gut pathogens, vaginal microbiome testing).
Q: How does the hygiene hypothesis relate to immunity?
A: Exposure to pathogens in early life is essential for immune system development. Lack of exposure is linked to increased allergies and autoimmunity.
Q: How does breastfeeding support immune development?
A: Breastfeeding provides GOS, prebiotics, colostrum, growth factors, and maternal immune cells, which enhance immune maturation and gut microflora balance.
Q: What nutrient deficiencies can weaken the immune system?
A: Deficiencies in zinc, vitamins A, D, and C, along with poor nutrition (high refined sugar, alcohol intake).
Q: What medications can suppress the immune system?
A: Corticosteroids, methotrexate, azathioprine, and other immunosuppressants.
Q: How does the gut microbiome influence immunity?
A: Commensal bacteria offer direct immune protection and help regulate immune responses. Factors like C-section birth, formula feeding, antibiotics, dysbiosis, and PPIs can compromise gut immunity.
Q: How does stress affect the immune system?
A: Emotional, chemical (e.g., smoking), and physical stress increase cortisol, which inhibits phagocytes, NK cells, and lymphocyte activity.
Q: How does poor sleep impact immunity?
A: Poor sleep reduces immune memory, decreases anti-viral cytokines (IL-12, IFN-γ), increases inflammatory cytokines (IL-6), and lowers lymphocyte activation.
Q: How do heavy metals affect the immune system?
A: Heavy metal toxicity can inhibit lymphocyte proliferation, impairing immune function.
Q: How does blood glucose dysregulation impact immunity?
A: Hyperglycemia activates protein kinase C (PKC), inhibiting phagocytosis and superoxide production, altering innate immune responses.
Q: How does vitamin D deficiency affect immunity?
A: Low vitamin D can impair immune function, with genetic factors (VDBP, VDR polymorphisms) influencing how effectively vitamin D is utilized.
Q: How does methylation impact immune function?
A: Disrupted methylation due to nutrient deficiencies or genetic SNPs can impair leukocyte differentiation and DNA repair, affecting immune resilience.
