For the health of your mental state and immune system
Some may notice an immune disorder and an increase in their exposure to diseases if they go through bad psychological periods. What is the relationship between the psychological state and the immune system?
Mental state and immune system
In fact, the communication and relationship between the immune system and the nervous system are great and include several different ways to regulate the body’s work, so there is a sure relationship between the activity and health of the immune system and the psychological state and mood of the person.
Cause anxiety, stress, and any problems related to mood and health of the nervous system to the high level of stress hormones and stress in the body, including the hormone cortisol and adrenaline, which increases the pressure on the immune system and thus weaken.
So you may notice that with the increase in stress and psychological anxiety for any reason, the risk of some of the following health problems may increase:
- Increased risk of infection and recurrence.
- slow wound healing
- Negatively affecting the health of the skin and skin, by exacerbating and exacerbating the problem of acne, for example.
- Increased risk of developing immune diseases or exacerbating their symptoms, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, and asthma.
Mental illness and the immune system
As mentioned, there are several ways of communication between the immune and nervous systems, and one of the ways of communication between them is the secretion of cytokines, a type of protein secreted by the immune system in cases of illness, infection, anxiety, or any stimuli that stimulate the immune system’s reaction.
The relationship between the two systems lies through the transmission of cytokines to the brain and its effect on neurotransmitters that control mood and mental health, leading to disturbances in serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate levels, thus increasing the risk of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety or schizophrenia.
It is also noted in patients with depression, that the ability of their immune system becomes less resistant to diseases and the effectiveness of vaccinations may become less for them compared to healthy people. We also note that depression is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and addiction risk.
Promote a healthy immune system and mental health
Here are our top tips and instructions on helping boost a healthy immune system and reduce stress and anxiety:
1. Eat healthily
Diversity of food ensures that the body is provided with all the vitamins, minerals, and elements it needs. A balanced diet includes eating: vegetables and fruits, proteins, carbohydrates, legumes, and good fats.
2. Nutritional Supplements
You can take medicinal nutritional supplements that will enhance the health of the immune system, such as vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc pills, vitamin B, vitamin E, and probiotics.
3. Doing sports
Regular exercise stimulates blood circulation, which helps in the movement of immune system cells faster within the body. It is preferable to spend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise during the week.
4. Drink a lot of water
Water is a key factor in the activity of the immune system, and this is because lymph, which is the fluid that transports the cells of the immune system in all parts of the body, contains a large amount of water, so drinking water in abundance enhances the work of immunity.
5. Get enough sleep
The body needs rest and sleep to regulate a lot of its metabolism and remove fatigue and tiredness, so that disturbed sleep may weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection.
6. Avoid alcohol and smoking
Drinking alcohol and smoking because it contains nicotine increases stress and fatigue, which weakens the immune system.
7. Avoid stress
Avoid stimuli that increase stress and anxiety as much as possible, you can practice yoga, meditation, sports that help relax muscles, and breathing exercises.
8. Take care of yourself
Avoid burdening yourself with what you cannot, of course, you should help others, as this enhances positive energy and reduces psychological pressure. However, this does not mean neglecting yourself and carrying it beyond its capacity, as this will increase psychological fatigue on you.