Your Immune System & Social Interactions

It is shocking to many to learn that new research indicates that your immune system may actually be an important controlling factor in your behavior.

Is Your Personality Dictated by Your Immune System?

Researchers discovered that by blocking a specific immune molecule in the brain of a mouse, the mouse brain displayed hyperactivity, resulting in abnormal, asocial behavior. When they restored the molecule, both problems disappeared.

Scientists believe this discovery may have "enormous implications for neurological conditions such as autism and schizophrenia".

According to Jonathan Kipnis, Ph.D., chairman of the Department of Neuroscience and director of the Center for Brain Immunology at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine:

"The brain and the adaptive immune system were thought to be isolated from each other, and any immune activity in the brain was perceived as sign of a pathology. And now, not only are we showing that they are closely interacting, but some of our behavior traits might have evolved because of our immune response to pathogens. It's crazy, but maybe we are just multicellular battlefields for two ancient forces: pathogens and the immune system. Part of our personality may actually be dictated by the immune system."

The Brain, Gut & Immune System Link:

Kipnis was part of the team that in 2015 discovered there's a direct link between the brain and immune system.

Similar to blood vessels that carry blood throughout your body, your lymphatic vessels carry immune cells throughout your body, including your brain, which was previously thought to be impossible.

It's becoming increasingly clear that your brain, immune system and your gut microbes are intricately linked, affecting each other in surprising ways. Autism, for instance, is associated with gastrointestinal problems and, potentially, an over-reaction in the immune system.

Neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's have also been linked to immune dysfunction and autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease share certain traits with psychiatric illness.

It wasn't always clear how such connections occurred, but now scientists have uncovered important interconnections.

The Importance of a Healthy Gut Microbiome:

We have about 100 trillion microbes in us and on us. The microorganisms residing in your gut are collectively known as your gut microbiome. Gut bacteria produce a tremendous amount of serotonin, which is the "feel god hormone". Prozac and Paxil both boost serotonin levels and mood, but with many potential side effects.

Gut bacteria also influence your immune function in many ways. Researchers have also discovered that the absence or presence of gut microorganisms during infancy, can alter gene expression in a negative or a positive manner.

How to Optimize Your Gut Flora:

Considering that it is estimated that 80% of your immune system is related to your gut, it is important to not only create a hospitable gut environment for these beneficial microbes, but to also regularly reseed your gut with healthy bacteria.

You Can Help Create A Great Gut Microbiome By:

1. Eating real organic food and avoiding fast foods, processed and refined foods.

2. Eating traditionally fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, natto, kifir and yogurt.

3. Taking a high-quality probiotic supplement if you don't eat fermented foods on a regular basis.

4. Avoid taking antibiotics, unless absolutely necessary.

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