The influence of stress on the immune system

Many health professionals confirm the close relationship between the mind and the body. Chronic emotional stress is correlated with many diseases, including stomach upset, heart disease and common civilization diseases. There are also opinions that stress also affects the human immune system.

Not long ago, the general view was that individual body systems work independently. It was believed that the nervous system is responsible for contact with the external environment (stress) and has nothing to do with the immune system or the endocrine system. However, numerous clinical observations have confirmed that among people exposed to chronic stress, the incidence of common infections and cancer – is much higher. Everyone certainly experienced a situation where prolonged nervous tension led to colds or recurrence of herpes.

Long-lasting stress weakens the body’s immunity.

Researchers conducted a study aimed at understanding the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system and the immune system. It was found that central and peripheral lymphatic organs (spleen, thymus, lymph nodes) receive impulses sent by the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system during stress. Lymphocytes have also been found to have receptors sensitive to adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are secreted during stress. Thus, it can be seen that the relationship between stress and the functioning of the immune system does not raise any doubts.

Short-term stress, for example associated with physical exercise, enhances some functions of the immune system and is beneficial to health. The benefits in this situation are the stimulation of macrophages that absorb harmful bacteria, and the strengthening of cell functions that eliminate cells infected with the virus and some types of cancer cells.

The situation is quite the opposite when we experience long-lasting, chronic stress. Excess cortisol weakens the body’s ability to defend itself against infections and exacerbates allergy symptoms. This is the result of an imbalance between the two main types of lymphocytes. TH1 lymphocytes are responsible for protection against bacteria and against viruses, while TH2 lymphocytes are designed to protect against parasites and participate in allergic reactions.

A slight increase in the level of glucocorticoids improves the body’s defenses. However, after exceeding a certain critical level, the activity of the cells of the immune system is inhibited. Chronic stress inhibits the body’s immune response regardless of current needs. Therefore, it is possible to state with full responsibility that chronic stress is unfavorable and interferes with the proper functioning of the immune system. As a result, it can lead to health problems.

LAMININE – an innovative dietary supplement – is recommended for both chronic stress and weakening of the immune system. The manufacturer suggests a dose of 1-3 capsules in light ailments and 4-5 capsules in severe ailments.

One thought on “The influence of stress on the immune system

  • 18 January 2021 at 21:33

    There are also effective herbal mixtures that are good for stress management, such as saffron and Chinese tea. But you can also do without any herbs or dietary supplements. One thing you need to do is give up the constant rush and imposing unrealistic goals on yourself. And for relaxation, I recommend yoga and sex.

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