12b. Immune Health - Causes/Risk Factors for Low Immunity Flashcards
What are the clinical indications of low immunity?
History of increased susceptibility
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Fevers
Chills
Aches/pains
Enlarged lymph nodes
What tests can be used to test immunity?
WBC count (blood)
Low SIgA (Stool/saliva)
Antigens (blood)
Gut pathogens (stool)
What are the causes and risk factors for low immunity?
Hygiene hypothesis
Poor nutrition
Immunosuppressants
Gut microbiome
Impaired barrier defences
Stress - emotional, physical, chemical
Poor sleep
Heavy metal toxicity
Blood glucose dysregulation
Poor energy delivery mechanisms
Disrupted methylation
Low vit D status
What is hygiene hypothesis?
Pathogen exposure at birth/breast feeding
What is inadequate antigen exposure at birth associated with?
Atopic disease
AI
What nutrient deficiencies are associated with low immunity?
A
D
C
Zn
What can compromise the gut microbiome?
C-section
Formula milk fed
Antibiotics
Overly hygienic upbringing
Dysbiosis
PPIs
NSAIDs
Steroids
Examples of impaired barrier defences
Poor skin quality
Damaged lungs
Gut permeability
Tonsillectomy
Why does poor sleep affect immunity?
Reduces immune memory
Reduces anti-viral cytokines
Increases inflammatory cytokines
How does blood glucose dysregulation affect immunity?
Hyperglycaemia activates protein kinase
Inhibits phagocytosis and superoxide production
How does disrupted methylation affect immunity?
Impairs leukocyte differentiation/maturation
How can someone become low in vit D?
Inadequate sun exposure
Inadequate dietary intake/absorption
SNPs on VDR, VDBP
What does a SNP on the VDR mean?
Lower sensitivity to vit D
(needs higher levels)
What does a SNP on the VDBP mean?
Less effective binding/transport of D
(needs sun/food/supps to attain adequate levels)
