Editorial

Scientific theory tips for maintaining a healthy immune system

0000-0002-4647-4688Valia Concepción Ulloa^{1  *}  , 0000-0003-3863-8299Yralys Naranjo Herrera¹ 

¹Hospital General Provincial Camilo Cienfuegos de Sancti Spíritus, Cuba.

The immune system is capable of distinguishing the self from the other, maintain homeostasis and comply with immunosurveillance against foreign agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, pollens, toxins and potentially transformed cells). The elements that form it participate in many functions in an integrated way, with the nervous system, the endocrine system and the psyche.

Having a competent and regulated immune system is necessary for optimal health, for this reason, a series of recommendations are described according to scientific theory.

The necessary advice resides in keeping an adequate hydration, a balanced nutrition, to comply with sleep schedules, to practice physical exercise, to increase metabolic flexibility, to avoid toxic habits and to cultivate social relationships. All in accordance with the circadian rhythm because the immune system is an interconnected circuit.

Among the general measures, those that increase the resistance of the body to infections stand out, with emphasis on personal and environmental hygiene habits and drinking sufficient water. Keep metabolic flexibility, which is the ability of the body to use the fat reserve in relation to the need. ¹ The human organism uses glucose because it is quick and easy to obtain energy, but when it is finished, it uses fat reserves, which are very efficient. Nowadays, foods rich in sugars and refined flours are continuously being ingested, therefore, accumulated fats are not used as an energy substrate; a situation that leads to a lack of ability to activate the ketogenic pathway and favors the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, ⁽²⁾ thus, it is recommended to increase metabolic flexibility by consuming foods rich in fats and high quality proteins, avoid food consumption for a minimum period of 4 hours, practice physical exercise preferably in fasting and do intermittent fasting. ¹

It is vital for normal immune system function to maintain a healthy nutrition, by incorporating micronutrients and macronutrients, which have effect on the development of a normal response. Among the micronutrients are vitamins A, C, D, E and minerals such as zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium and copper. Vitamin A, which is vital in innate and cell mediated immunity, also influences antibody responses ³ and is considered very important in the development and differentiation of natural killer (NK), Th1 and Th2 cells, favoring their proliferation thanks to the activation of retinoic acid receptors. ^(2,3 Vitamin C is able to counteract the activation effect of phagocytes that release reactive oxygen species and has a barrier function against pathogens. ⁽² Vitamin D is necessary because most immune cells do express receptors for it; is involved in cell proliferation and differentiation and is a potent modulator of the immune response. ⁴⁾ In autoimmune diseases, its use is prescribed due to its regulatory effect by blocking the induction of Th1 and Th17 pattern cytokines and inducing the differentiation of Treg regulatory lymphocytes (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+). ^5,2 Vitamin E has an antioxidant effect and improves the lymphocyte proliferation, cytotoxic activity of NK cells, IL-2 interleukin production and increases the phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages. ^(2,6,7 Magnesium is necessary for macrophage function, in immunoglobulin synthesis, influences the development, differentiation and lymphocyte proliferation, and induces apoptosis mechanisms by Fas. ⁴ Iron participates in different reactions such as electron transference, gene regulation, binding and oxygen transport and the cell growth and differentiation regulation. ² Zinc is an important trace element in the signaling pathways and in the intracellular regulation of immune system cells, is involved in inflammatory processes and is crucial in the pathogen elimination by transduction pathways determined by the extracellular traps of neutrophils. ²⁾ It favors the natural killer cell proliferation and the formation, maturation and function of T cells. ⁴ Selenium is essential because it has antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory properties; and contributes to membrane integrity. ⁶ Copper is essential for the development^. and differentiation of immune cells due to its antiviral properties. Another group of immune modulating nutrients are amino acids, including glutamine, which constitutes the main energy source of immune cells, because it is a direct substrate for lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and enterocytes, as well as in the nucleotide synthesis. ⁽²

It is important not just to incorporate the necessary nutrients but to dedicate time to savoring the food, enjoy the company, chew slowly and constantly, mashing food correctly.

To practice regular physical exercise by establishing moderated-intensity routine, is necessary because it eliminates toxins, increases the capacity to detect foreign pathogens and body temperature, creating natural resistance against infections. Intense sport activities should be avoided in the late afternoon. ⁽¹

Sleep may contribute to the immune system cell regeneration, is recommended to establish bedtime and wake-up times. ⁽¹ The sleeping period is engaged in the innate and adaptive response regulation, both systems are under circadian regulation ruled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, as well as by peripheral clocks located in all cells. ⁽⁸ It is characteristic during sleep the melatonin release by the pineal gland, which is the main source of melatonin in the pineal gland which occurs in dark circumstances and favors the circadian synchronization in the organism. Melatonin has a stimulatory effect over immune cells and a high peak of virgin T cells occurs at the beginning of the sleep period and the memory in the peripheral blood. ^9,10 Likewise, during sleep, a decrease in the release of catecholamines and cortisol occurs. ¹¹ Immunity dysregulation caused by lack of sleep involves the breakdown of immune self-tolerance. ^12,13

The immune response varies in relation to acute and chronic stress, during the first stage, proinflammatory cytokines are produced, regulatory mechanisms and NK cells are activated ⁽¹⁴⁾ while during chronic stress, an anti-inflammatory state is generated, ¹⁴ with decreased proliferation and differentiation of TCD3+CD4+ lymphocytes.

The immune system cells are synchronized through substances and biochemical receptors, which interact with the life cycles. Recent discoveries demonstrate a critical role for circadian rhythm in day-dependent immune homeostasis. ¹⁵⁾ During higher solar luminosity, activation of the immune response occurs. ¹ It is recommended to perform most of the activities during the day and prefer to rest at night.

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Received: September 02, 2023; Accepted: October 15, 2023

^*Autor para la correspondencia. Correo electrónico: [e-mail]

Los autores declaran no tener conflicto de interés.