DAVID FOREMAN
Herbal Pharmacist, USA

Abstract

With the global pandemic comes an increased focus on immune health and what impacts the immune system in general.
One of those areas of focus needs to be on the impact poor mental health has on the immune system and its functionality. This statement is made due to the increase in stress caused by the pandemic on millions globally. Stressors such as social isolation, fear of the unknown, loss of a loved one are just a small sample of what is triggering stress. Even before the pandemic, poor mental wellness has been a significant concern and is now increased with these added stressors. It is now well documented that poor mental health directly impacts immune system health and functionality. More research needs to be done to pinpoint what can be done naturally to support the nervous system to improve immune function.

INTRODUCTION
You may be shocked to learn a connection between mental wellness (health) and your immune system. The scientific term for this connection is psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), the study of the interactions between the brain and the immune system. The central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system are known to communicate via chemical messengers. The nervous system uses hormones and neurotransmitters to communicate with the immune system, while the immune system uses cytokines to communicate with the nervous system. The connection between mental wellness and immune health is easily seen when we look at mental health issues, stress and sleep.

STRESS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
When we take a deeper look at the impact that stress has on the immune system, we learn that stress can have a positive effect on the immune system in the short term.
Short-term stress primarily enhances innate immunity and secondarily enhances adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is the first line of defense we are born with and reacts immediately to pathogen exposure. Adaptive immunity consists primarily of natu ...