Stress and the Immune System

Stress and the Immune System

Being Alive Newsletter, Being Alive/Los Angeles - May 1993
Brian A. Smith, DC

You may have heard the oft-repeated phrase that stress is detrimental to your health. Just what does this mean? Is there truth to this? Stress is necessary for life. Stress represents any changing environment. What we mean to say is negative stress will suppress your immune system.

Stress can be of many types. The most common are physical (accidents, strained muscles, spinal problems), emotional (fear, anxiety, depression), and chemical (drugs, pollution, food additives).

Negative stress has both direct and indirect effects on the immune system. These effects are cumulative and can be compounding. The effects are usually moderated through hormones and interleukins.

Recent research has shown that stress will directly impact the immune system in a negative way. Interleukins are regulatory molecules which help orchestrate the immune response. Initial response to an infection is an increase in Il-2 with a great cellular attack against the invader. Il-2 is required for helper cell proliferation. A great number of receptors for Il-2 appear on lymphocytes allowing for this greatly increased response. According to Dr. Jonas Salk, as long as Il-2 levels are high, the cellular attack phase will continue and the person is at their most viral resistant phase. Negative stress has been shown to decrease Il-2 production and also decrease the number of Il-2 receptors on lymphocytes. Other direct effects include decreased interferons, decreased natural killer cell activity, and lower T-cell mitogenesis.

Indirectly, stress causes the release of ACTH from the pituitary gland in the brain which signals the adrenal glands to release anti-inflammatory hormones. These hormones will repress the lymph nodes and thymus and inhibit immune cell functions. Another pituitary hormone released, TTH, causes the thyroid gland to become overactive resulting in weight loss, nervousness, an increased demand for vitamins and minerals, and a protein deficit.

To counteract the effects of negative stress, you must eliminate the sources to the best of your ability. Clean up your diet; stay away from fried foods, alcohol, caffeine, or overly refined foods. Avoid excessive use of drugs, illegal or prescription. Address any emotional problems in your life. Make sure you remain physically fit; exercise regularly and get enough rest. Chiropractic works with the nervous system to reduce the negative effects of stress. A nutritional approach would include B vitamins, the "anti-stress" vitamins. You may also wish to incorporate meditation, massage, biofeedback, acupuncture, or other stress reduction techniques into your life. Your health may depend on your ability to handle stress.

(Brian A. Smith, DC, is a chiropractor who has worked with HIV+ individuals for over five years. Any questions you may have can be directed to him at 310.559.6584.)
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AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Roxane Laboratories, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1993. AEGIS.