Key Points
The immune system requires a constant supply of nutrients for its optimal function and performance. Under stress conditions, the immune response may be suppressed and is modulated by the central nervous system through a complex network of signals. Communication between the neuroendocrine and immune systems has been well established, and there is ample evidence to indicate that stress-associated immune dysregulation is sufficiently intense for repercussions on health. Psychological stress contributes to many disease states with the clear involvement of immune mechanisms that can be modulated or conditioned by food components and nutrients. Understanding interactions among diet, the central nervous system and the immune system provides insight on health of situations of psychological stress.
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Marin, J.R. et al. (2010). Neuroimmunomodulation, Stress–Nutrition Interactions and Diet. In: Watson, R., Zibadi, S., Preedy, V. (eds) Dietary Components and Immune Function. Nutrition and Health. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-061-8_5
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