Using Your Nervous System to Enhance Your Immune System

The immune system has three main systems of protection: physical barriers (e.g., skin, eyes), innate immune system (e.g., white blood cells, killer cells), adaptive immune system (e.g., creation of antibodies)
Sickness-related behaviors look a lot like depressive symptoms leading to a theory that depression involves activation of inflammatory cytokines
Stimulation of the dopamine pathway can accelerate healing and liberate systems in the body which allow inflammatory pathways to go down and anti-inflammatory pathways to go up
Wim Hof breathing is a zero-cost tool shown to enhance the immune system by releasing adrenaline and reducing the effects of illness symptoms
Wim Hof breathing steps:(1) 20-30 deep inhales and exhales through nose; (2) exhale of all air to empty lungs; (3) hold breath for up to 60 seconds; (4) repeat 2-4 rounds
Maintaining a healthy microbiome (gut, eyes, mucus) supports good health: nasal breathe as often as possible, don’t touch eyes after touching other things, ingest fermented foods to enhance gut microbiota

Three main layers of protection: (1) physical barrier AKA skin; (2) innate immune system; (3) adaptive immune system
The primary sites of infections from the outside world are through eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth
Mucus acts as a filter for bacteria and viruses, making sure certain things don’t make it in and you can extract nutrients from others
Innate immune system: rapid response system when the body doesn’t recognize foreign invader (bacteria, virus, or parasite) trying to enter the body
White blood cells (part of the innate immune system) will go to the site of the foreign invader and try to kill by engulfing and isolating
Cytokines (also part of the innate immune system) send “help me” signals to bring in killer cells and white blood cells to get rid of the foreign invader
The adaptive immune system creates antibodies against bacteria, viruses, parasites, physical intruders to the system
The adaptive immune system creates a memory of prior infection so it can create antibodies anytime that same invader comes back
Hematopoietic stem cells can create and maintain antibodies so recognized virus doesn’t go through
Immunoglobulin M (IgM): first of adaptive immune responses that comes on board; this is the first marker you’ll see for new or recent infection
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) comes on board later

Maintaining a microbiome is critical for good health – microbiota isn’t just referring to the gut; there’s microbiota along with every orifice of the body from eyes, nostrils, etc.
Tip 1: Use nasal breathing (not mouth breathing) as often as possible because the nasal microbiome is particularly good at scrubbing infection
Tip 2: Don’t touch your eyes after touching anything else since the eyes are a primary entry point for a lot of bacteria and viruses
Tip 3: Enhance gut microbiota by ingesting 2-4 servings per day of low sugar fermented foods

Natural behaviors when fighting illness or virus: slow down, reduce grooming activities and cosmetic behaviors, lose appetite, sleep more, vulnerability and desire to have others take care of us – or – desire to be alone more than usual, loss of libido, aversion to bright light
More sleep gives the lymphatic system a chance to ramp up activity
Sickness behaviors look a lot like depressive symptoms leading to a theory that depression involves activation of inflammatory cytokines
Reduced appetite (particularly for protein-rich foods) may be an attempt by the body to reduce iron intake because bacteria thrive when iron is high
The vagus nerve connects the body and brain and signals sickness behavior
Fever is a functional and adaptive response to kill of invaders
There’s a difference between regular sleep and sleep that’s in support of the immune system: sleep associated with infection releases more serotonin to support a robust immune response

The nervous system can be activated and used to control the immune system
Basics we know give ourselves the best chance at health: hydrate with water and electrolytes, good quality sleep, sunshine, good nutrition, at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, hydration, strong social relationships, etc.
The glymphatic system which clears out debris that surrounds injured neurons is underactive in illness
Two methods of glymphatic system activation: (1) sleeping on the side instead of back or stomach; (2) sleeping with feet slightly elevated
Sauna or hot bath for about 15 minutes will help the body reduce internal temperature afterward (caution – do not get into a sauna if you have a fever)
Heat cycle protocol: stay in heat environment for 15 minutes, cool off for 5 minutes, reenter heat
Wim Hof breathing protocol was shown to enhance immune system & combat illness
Wim Hof breathing steps: (1) 20-30 deep inhales through the nose and exhales through the mouth; (2) exhale of all air to empty lungs; (3) hold breath for up to 60 seconds; (4) repeat 2-4 rounds
Why does breathing work? Breathing protocol activates the sympathetic nervous system which allows activation of the normal pathway (trigger release of adrenaline and epinephrine) which enhances immune function

The way we think about something can change the core of our physiology
Keep stress in check: you can worry yourself sick!
Stimulation of the dopamine pathway – even by thinking positively about the future – activates the mesolimbic pathway and can increase the rate of healing
Stimulation of the dopamine pathway can accelerate healing and liberate systems in the body which allow inflammatory pathways to go down and anti-inflammatory pathways to go up

Spirulina can have powerful effects in relieving nasal stuffiness and inflammation
Acupuncture can stimulate vagal-adrenal reflex and reduce inflammation

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