Immunonutrition helps to modulate the immune and inflammatory responses in an individual. Herbal components which has got immense anti-oxidant and immune boosting activity helps to fight against various viral and bacterial infections.
However, any mistake or alteration in tolerance pathways may lead to an immunological disordered process. Although there are plenty of factors involved in the aetiology of disease, most conditions are related to the immune system, they frequently being infectious, inflammatory, or autoimmune processes. Briefly, the immune system comprises three levels of defence:
1.Anatomical and physiological barriers,
2.The innate or unspecific immunity and
3. The adaptive or specific immunity (also termed acquired)3,4.
Relationship between nutrition and immunity:
Traditionally, the study of the interaction between nutrition and infection has included the role of infection in defining nutritional status and the role of nutrition in determining host defence mechanisms. The 1968 World Health Organization monograph about “Interactions between Nutrition and Infection” presented the mechanisms linking infection and poor nutritional status. Following the development of immunology as a science, increasing evidence was obtained as well to show how under nutrition may impair resistance to infections and the immune response.
Importance of Immunonutrition:
These are required as a catalytic, structural and regulatory ions for enzymes and proteins and are therefore a key trace elements in many homeostatic mechanisms of the body, including immune responses, their deficiencies are characterized by depressed immune functions, lymphopenia and reduced numbers of circulating T and B Lymphocytes, and impaired chemotactic responses of neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages hence their supplementation will enhance and boost immunity.
Similarly herbal components like Amla, Turmeric, Centella, Phyllanthus niruri, Androgophis, Ginger, Cinnamon, Neem rich in polyphenols like Tannins, Triterpenoids, Flavonoids, Ascorbic acid (Vit C), Curcumin, Gingerols etc, which has got immense anti-oxidant and immune boosting activity helps to fight against various viral and bacterial infections both individually and synergistically with micro nutrients, trace elements etc. without attenuating any side effects on long term usage. Hence supplementation of these immuno-nutrients with routine diet will ensure comprehensiveness and prophylaxis.
Dr. Vinayraj BG, BAMS, MD, PGDCR&PV
Sr.Manager, R&D,
Juggat Pharma
Pharma Division of Jagdale Industries Pvt Ltd, Bangalore-74
Ph:080-28437297 Mob: 9844207382