Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a good example of a multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary field of research. It deals with the interactions among the central nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system and how psychological stressors modulate these interactions.

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a relatively new field of study that looks at the interactions between your central nervous system (CNS) and your immune system.

The PNI paradigm consists of three major components: the psychological component, neurological component, and immunological component (McCain et al., 2005).

Psychoneuroimmunology is a new approach to diseases which involves taking control of the disease by controlling stress and lessening it. Diseases and illnesses untreatable by drugs or medicine could be treated by just understanding and influencing the psychology of the given individual.

The main parts of the immune system are: white blood cells, antibodies, the complement system, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow. These are the parts of your immune system that actively fight infection.

A plethora of PNI studies have shown that increased psychological stress and depression are associated with a decrease in immune functioning and worsened health outcomes for many conditions including coronary artery disease [5], cancer [6], autoimmune disease [7, 8], infection [9, 10], wound healing [11], and even …

When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to infections. The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes).

Science of Psychoneuroimmunology In several studies of older adults, those who are providing care for a relative with dementia report high levels of stress and exhibit significant impairments in immune system functioning when compared with noncaregivers.

In a nutshell, PNI studies the connection between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems of the body. A more detailed description of PNI was given in an interview with Dr.

Prolonged stress levels therefore decrease sleep duration and reduce REM sleep, leading to poorer quality sleep, impaired memory and poorer mood regulation. The lack of restorative sleep, in turn, leads to more stress.

Examples of autoimmune diseases include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
• Guillain-Barre syndrome.
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
• Psoriasis.

These studies show that treatment with active vitamin D is effective in modulating immune function and ameliorating autoimmune disease.

• Autoimmune myocarditis.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Lupus.
• Type 1 diabetes.
• Vasculitis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Psoriasis. Just as rheumatoid arthritis can impact health well beyond inflaming joints, psoriasis is more than a skin disease.
• Some autoimmune conditions that may affect life expectancy: Autoimmune myocarditis.

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the lining of the joints, leading to pain and swelling typically in the hands and feet. It can affect anyone, but is most prevalent in women over 40.

Common autoimmune disorders include:

• Multiple sclerosis.
• Myasthenia gravis.
• Pernicious anemia.
• Reactive arthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Sjögren syndrome.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Type I diabetes.

When the body senses danger from a virus or infection, the immune system kicks into gear and attacks it. This is called an immune response. Sometimes, healthy cells and tissues are caught up in this response, resulting in autoimmune disease.

The right diet can help ease pain and heal autoimmune diseases. In general, avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar, grains, dairy and red meat, and focus on fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and fish.

Although most autoimmune diseases don’t go away, you can treat your symptoms and learn to manage your disease, so you can enjoy life! Women with autoimmune diseases lead full, active lives.

Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune conditions (rheumatic disease). Orbai talks about how to recognize common autoimmune disease symptoms and when you should see a doctor.

Treating autoimmune disease

1. Living a healthy lifestyle – e.g. eating a balanced and healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress and getting plenty of rest.
2. Medication – including pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs (if joints are affected) and immunosuppressive medication.

Fasting for three days can regenerate entire immune system, study finds. Fasting for as little as three days can regenerate the entire immune system, even in the elderly, scientists have found in a breakthrough described as “remarkable”.

Vitamin C also has been shown to help combat fungal and bacterial infections, those with lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, and help decrease inflammation, pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis. High Doses of intravenous Vitamin C (25g to 75g) is also an excellent adjunct to cancer treatment.

The main bioactive compound of ginger root lowers autoantibody production and helps halt disease progression in mice with antiphospholipid syndrome and lupus. Naturopathic medicine, or herbal medicine, is all the rage, especially among young people.

Green tea, which contains EGCG, may help protect against autoimmune disease, Medical College of Georgia researchers say. Green tea may help protect against autoimmune disease, Medical College of Georgia researchers say.

The discovery of the vitamin D receptor in multiple immune cell lineages, such as monocytes, dendritic cells, and activated T cells credits vitamin D with a novel role in modulating immunological functions and its subsequent role in the development or prevention of autoimmune diseases.

Avoiding foods such as red meat, eggs, vegetable oils fried foods, sugar, dairy products, refined carbs, gluten, alcohol, and caffeine might be necessary to limit such flare-ups. Nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers, can also be problematic.

Dairy… Lactose intolerance has a well-known connection with digestive issues, but dairy in general can trigger autoimmune responses. This is due to the main protein, casein, found in milk and other forms of dairy.