The impact of lifestyle on immune system

Življenjski slog vpliva na delovanje prirojenega in pridobljenega imunskega sistema. Eden izmed dejavnikov, ki regulirajo imunski odziv, je prehrana. Z njo vplivamo na črevesno mikrofloro, ki predstavlja pomemben steber obrambe. Za protivnetni učinek moramo zaužiti dovolj kompleksnih ogljikovih hidratov, nenasičenih maščobnih kislin, beljakovin, vitaminov in mineralov. Ob okužbi je viden vpliv stresa, ki na nas deluje preko aktivacije HPA osi in simpatičnega živčnega sistema. Kratkoročni stres izboljša imunski odziv, nasprotno pa ga kronični oslabi. Tudi pomanjkanje spanca aktivira omenjeni poti in posledično se zviša koncentracija vnetnih citokinov v krvi. Urejen spalni cikel povzroči utišanje teh poti in deluje protivnetno. Podobno kot pri stresu ima lahko tudi fizična aktivnost dvojni učinek. Ob pretirani telesni dejavnosti nastane sindrom prekomernega treninga, pride do vnetij tkiv in povečane dovzetnosti za okužbe zgornjega dihalnega trakta. Po drugi strani se zmerna telesna aktivnost odraža v zmanjšani produkciji vnetnih citokinov, preprečevanju reaktivacije latentnih virusov in boljšem odzivu na cepiva. Tudi zmerno uživanje alkohola spodbudi imunski odziv na cepiva, nasprotno pa kronično pitje zmanjšuje število in aktivnost celic imunskega sistema. K razvoju bolezni doprinese še kajenje, ki negativno učinkuje na ustrezen imunski odziv.Lifestyle has a big impact on how our innate and adaptive immune system functions. One of the factors, that regulates the immune response, is diet. Diet affects the gut microflora, which is an important defense mechanism. To achieve an anti-inflammatory effect, we have to eat enough complex carbohydrates, unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Along with the infection, we can also see the impact of stress, which works through the activation of the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system. Short-term stress improves immune response, while chronic stress weakens it. Previously mentioned pathways can also be activated by sleep deprivation, resulting in increased amount of inflammatory cytokines. On the contrary, a good sleeping schedule reduces the inflammatory effect. Physical activity can have a double effect as well. Excessive physical activity leads to overtraining syndrome, tissue inflammation, and increased susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections. In contrast, moderate exercise reduces inflammatory cytokines production, prevents reactivation of latent viruses, and enhances positive response to vaccines. This response is also enhanced by moderate alcohol consumption, whereas chronic alcoholism reduces the number and activity of immune cells. Furthermore, smoking negatively affects the immune response and increases the risk of diseases