Effect of stress on immunity
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Effect of stress on immunity
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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D.N.K Sharma, P. Padma, R.L. Khosa
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Effect of stress on immunity
Year: 1997
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The immune system is a critical component of the body鈥檚 defense mechanism, responsible for identifying and eliminating foreign substances that threaten health. Its effectiveness relies on a complex interplay of cellular and humoral factors, including various immune cells and a multitude of biological response modifiers. Immunomodulation, defined as substances that influence specific immune functions, plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of immune responses. Stress鈥攚hether physical, psychological, or biological鈥攈as been shown to significantly affect immune function, often leading to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to infections.
Effect of Stress on Immunity
Stressful conditions can cause profound changes in the endocrine environment, impacting immune system performance. Hormones such as ACTH, growth hormones, and catecholamines interact with immune cells, altering their activity through various biochemical pathways. Research indicates that both chronic and acute stress can lead to decreased immune responses, such as reduced lymphocyte proliferation and impaired natural killer cell activity. Particularly, uncontrollable stressors have a more detrimental effect on immune function than those that can be controlled. The ability to adapt to repeated stress also plays a crucial role; individuals or animals that show adaptation often exhibit enhanced immune responses, while those that do not adapt experience immune suppression. This highlights the importance of coping mechanisms in mitigating the negative effects of stress on immunity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the interplay between stress and the immune system underscores the significance of managing stress for maintaining optimal health. The immunological impacts of stress reveal a complex relationship where the body's ability to cope can either enhance or suppress immune function. As research continues to uncover these dynamics, it becomes increasingly evident that understanding the neuroendocrine interactions with immune responses may provide valuable insights for improving strategies to bolster immunity in the face of stress, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the role of the immune system in the body?
The immune system acts as the body's internal surveillance system, detecting and destroying foreign substances. It is composed of various components including phagocytic and lymphocytic cells that work together to provide defense against infections.
How does stress affect the immune system?
Stress, whether physical or psychological, is associated with immunosuppression. It alters hormone equilibrium and can decrease the number and function of immune cells, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
What are immunomodulators and their effects?
Immunomodulators are substances that directly influence immune function. They can boost immune responses or suppress them, depending on whether they are used to enhance resistance against infections or to manage conditions like asthma and autoimmunity.
Can stress impact the response to vaccinations or infections?
Yes, stress can hinder the immune response to vaccinations and infections. Studies show reduced lymphocyte proliferation and decreased ability to control latent viruses during stressful situations, impacting overall immunity.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淓ffect of stress on immunity鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the operational capacity and functioning of the immune system. The text highlights how immune activity can be influenced by stress, hormones, and neuroendocrine factors. Understanding this activity is crucial in gauging the efficacy of the immune response and how it changes under various forms of stress.
2) Substance:
Substance in this context indicates biological or non-biological agents that influence immune function. The text discusses immunomodulation, where various substances such as cytokines, hormones, and drugs alter the immune response. The nature of these substances is pivotal for therapeutic strategies in bolstering or suppressing immune functions.
3) Drug:
The term drug encompasses pharmacological agents that modulate immune responses. The text refers to drugs that either suppress the immune system in cases like autoimmunity or enhance it against infections. Understanding the role of specific drugs is essential in the management of various health conditions, especially those affecting immunity.
4) Depression:
In this context, depression refers not only to a psychological state but also to a decrease in immune functionality. The text indicates that physical and psychological stress can induce a state of immunosuppression, which makes the body vulnerable to infections and diseases, highlighting the interconnectedness of mental health and immunity.
5) Ayurveda (膧yurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes a holistic understanding of health, including the immune system as part of the kapha dosha. The text relates classical Ayurvedic principles to modern immunological concepts, demonstrating how traditional wisdom can inform contemporary approaches to health and disease prevention.
6) Allergy:
Allergy signifies an exaggerated immune response to harmless substances. The text discusses immunosuppressants used in managing hyper-sensitivity reactions such as allergies. Understanding allergies is vital for developing effective treatments that can alleviate symptoms without compromising overall immune function.
7) Anxiety:
Anxiety is identified as a crucial psychological component affecting immune responses. The text outlines how heightened anxiety levels, often stemming from stress, can impair T-cell function and overall immunity. Addressing anxiety is therefore important not only for mental well-being but also for maintaining immune health.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study of the immune system as discussed in the text. The research around stress and immunity employs scientific methods to elucidate complex interactions between physiological processes, illustrating the importance of a scientific approach in understanding health and disease mechanisms.
9) Cancer:
Cancer is used within the context of immune system suppression, where weakened immunity can lead to increased vulnerability to opportunistic infections and tumor growth. The text underscores the interplay between stress, immunity, and cancer progression, highlighting the need for comprehensive cancer treatment approaches that address immune aspects.
10) Sharman (艢arma, Sarm膩, Sarma, Sharma, 艢arman):
Sharma is one of the authors of the study discussing the effects of stress on immunity. The name represents a contribution to the scientific literature on immunology and stress, indicating the collaborative nature of research and the importance of peer contributions to the understanding of health issues.
11) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the bodily energies of earth and water. The immune system is described as an aspect of kapha, emphasizing its role in maintaining health. Kapha鈥檚 balance is crucial for a robust immune function, linking traditional practices to contemporary health.
12) Padma (Padm膩, P膩dma):
Padma is another author of the study, contributing to the research on stress and immunology. The inclusion of multiple authors highlights the collective effort in advancing knowledge in this field, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for addressing complex health phenomena.
13) Blood:
Blood is critical as it carries immunological constituents necessary for the immune response. The text emphasizes that immune efficacy depends on specific substances present in the blood. Understanding blood composition and its changes under stress is essential for assessing overall immune health and susceptibility to infections.
14) Mud:
Mood refers to the emotional state that can influence immune functionality. The text indicates how mood disorders stemming from stressful life events can lead to decreased measures of immuno-competence. Recognizing the link between mood and immunity is vital for developing holistic health interventions.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Effect of stress on immunity鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Psychological stress, Chronic stress, Acute stress, Immunosuppression, Immunological System, Opportunistic pathogen, Lymphocyte proliferation, Biological response modifiers, Immunostimulant drugs, Thymus gland, Immune competence, Cellular immune response, Coping response, Phagocytic function.