Inflammation and the immune system

Many of my patients will say, “Doctor, I am so inflamed.” The use of the word inflammation is commonplace as we search the market for anti-inflammatory diets or self-help books on inflammation. The inflammatory response created by the immune system contributes to healing, but when left unchecked, can contribute to chronic disease, allergy and nonspecific symptoms such as achy joints, fatigue and malaise.

The immune system has two main parts. The first of these is the innate immune system which is the body’s first line of defense. The innate immune system acts as a barrier that prevents harmful materials from entering the body and responds quickly when needed. The second part is the adaptive immune system. This system is more specialized and takes over if the innate immune system is unsuccessful. The adaptive immune system responds slower than the innate immune system but more accurately.

So, how can we make our immune system healthier? Here are four areas that one can focus on to improve immune health: quality rest, eating well, exercising and managing stress.

Lack of sleep weakens the immune system and makes it easier to become ill. This means your colds last longer and you may get them more often. Researchers recommend adults get seven to eight hours of good sleep each night, while teens need about 10 hours.

Physicians often propose anti-inflammatory diets for people with chronic disease, inflammatory conditions, and food sensitivities. No one diet fits all, but diets that avoid inflammatory foods have proven beneficial. Dietary recommendations include avoiding processed food, meaning things that come in a box or a bag. Focus on whole foods, such as apples, brown rice, nuts, seeds and legumes. A good diet for inflammation and cholesterol is the Mediterranean diet. It increases omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and hopefully lower those cholesterol numbers.

Exercise also helps our immune system. Getting at least 20 to 30 minutes of moderate to high-level exercise a day boosts antibody response, which helps stave off illness. Exercise will also improve your mood. Managing stress is difficult for everyone. However, unplugging and practicing mindfulness are good coping strategies that can help you decompress after a long day.

We are often overwhelmed by stressful, busy lives. Inflammation and immune-system issues cannot be fixed with a pill or a bit of advice. It requires a personal commitment to assess your own habits. Then consider what changes are possible for you. Working on one or all the aforementioned areas is worth a try. The power to improve your health and immunity lies within.

Jennifer May, M.D. practices rheumatology in Rapid City, South Dakota. She is a contributing Prairie Doc® columnist and guest host this week on the Prairie Doc® encore television show. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit http://www.prairiedoc.org and follow Prairie Doc® on Facebook featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&A show streaming on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.