How are the Brain and Immune Functions Connected?

Researchers found that the brain is connected with the immune function through meningeal lymphatic vessels. These vessels play a key role in the neuro-immune function.  Scientists have known that there was some kind of connection between the brain and the immune system, but they couldn’t find the exact interaction until now.

Now that they’ve discovered how the lymphatic vessels interact with the central nervous system, they are able to take a completely different approach in terms of optimizing brain function.

Some doctors have found this discovery very surprising, since the lymphatic system has been mapped out so well.  This lymphatic vessels was first discovered by Antoine Louveau, Ph.D who noticed that there were vessel-like patterns under the brain.  These vessels went unnoticed for a long time because they are very difficult to see on medical images, since it follows a large blood vessel.

The discovery of these lymphatic vessels actually overturned the textbook understanding about the brain.  As a result, medical professionals are able to look at new possibilities to treat brain disorders.

Possible Health Implications of this Discovery

With time, health professionals will continue to learn more about this connection, which will improve the treatments that are available.  This discovery could potentially impact a variety of health problems including multiple sclerosis, autism and Alzheimer’s disease.

For instance they’ve discovered that people with Alzheimer’s disease have a higher risk of suffering from common sicknesses such as head colds and the flu.  And people who have been diagnosed with diabetes have a higher risk of developing dementia.

These discoveries suggest that boosting the immune function through alternative methods or even natural remedies might be able to help people suffering from brain related problems.

Although more research needs to be completed, since it’s not clear whether these connections are related to lifestyle factors or if it’s a cause-and-effect situation… the additional information and understanding has allowed doctors to start considering different approaches to treating brain diseases.

Managing Your Mental Health by Boosting the Immune System

If you want to be proactive about protecting your brain health (and overall wellness), you may want to consider lifestyle factors that impact your immune function.  Keep in mind that daily habits can boost or suppress your immune system… like exercise, diet and sleep patterns.

Here are a few tips to help improve immune function:

• Keep yourself hydrated so you can flush the body of waste and toxins.

• Get 6-8 hours of sleep each night (how much will depend on the individual) to allow your body enough time to rest, recover and restore during the night.  Sleep is essential in promoting a strong immune system.

• Avoid processed foods high in refined carbs and trans fats because it can significantly suppress your immune system and lower your ability to fight illness and disease.

• Eat nutrient dense foods such as grass-fed meat, organ meat, wild caught cold-water fish along with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables loaded with antioxidants to optimize you immune function.

• Get enough sunlight to boost your vitamin D levels.  Vitamin D is vital for promoting a strong immune system.  If you can’t get enough natural sun you can also supplement with a high quality vitamin D supplement.

Taking a proactive approach to improve your immune function is beneficial both for your brain and your overall health.