The immune system
Made up of structural barriers, organs, white blood cells, proteins, and chemicals, the immune system protects us from foreign antigens and helps our bodies heal from infections and injuries. To do this, the immune system and the nervous system maintain extensive and elaborate communication.
This system has two pathways, a gas pedal (flight or fight pathway) and a brake (rest and digest pathway).
We know that the brain influences the process of inflammation as part of the immune system’s fight against injury or infection. Too much inflammation can lead to problems, like chronic pain or diseases. The brain can help keep this in check, but, if it’s overwhelmed by too much stress or illness, inflammation can cause harm.
What does the brain have to do with allergies?
The allergic response
In some cases, the immune system reacts by making antibodies to attack allergens that aren’t otherwise harmful. When someone with an allergy is exposed to the allergen, the immune system’s antibodies release histamine into the bloodstream that can cause symptoms, including inflamed skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive systems.
Allergy symptoms can occur for the first time at any age, and can be affected by hormones, stress, smoke, medications, perfume, or environmental irritants. Some allergies can be outgrown, such as children’s allergies to certain foods. Airborne allergens can strike seasonally, during pollination, or year-round in the case of dust mites and animal dander.
The brain’s role
The brain plays a key role in the allergic response by directing the immune system how to respond. During times of stress, illness, or other factors, such as hormonal changes, our immune systems may be weakened, causing allergic reactions to be more severe.
The brain’s inflammatory response to allergens becomes chronic with repeated exposures to the allergen, which creates long-term effects on the affected areas of the body, such as airways, eyes, and skin.
Brain health ties to allergies
Poor lifestyle habits—like lack of sleep, improper diet, chronic stress, and sedentary lifestyle—can lead to poor brain health, which, in turn, can result in higher sensitivity to allergens and more allergic reactions.
Other strategies for maintaining the health of our brains and, thus, our immune systems include:
- Engaging in regular exercise and physical activity
- Avoiding excess alcohol, smoking, and other chemical exposures
- Continuing to challenge our brains as we age by learning new things, staying socially engaged, and promoting new neural connections
- Staying aware of the impacts that common diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and inflammation can have on brain health
- Ensuring a well-balanced diet that avoids excess neurostimulants, like caffeine, and chemicals, and focuses on antioxidant-rich vegetables, healthy omega oils, and optimal hydration
by Joanne Peters
