Immunomodulators in day to day life: a review

Pak J Biol Sci. 2013 Sep 1;16(17):826-43. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2013.826.843.

Abstract

There are ongoing trends of immunomodulation to combat a vast range of human and animal diseases including the incurable diseases like viral diseases, cancers, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions. Animate as well as non-animate factors, surrounding us are interacting with our immune system. A balanced diet should contain all essential components from energy to vitamin and trace minerals. Each of these constituent has a very special effect on the immune system starting from their development to active role in immunity therefore, the outcome of their deficiency often ends in disease. Edible items which we consume like various vegetables, spices, herbs, fruits etc., are also equally responsible in manipulation of our system either in positive or negative way. Water has biggest share in our body and acts as the main medium to support the activities of the different system of body without exception of immune system. Proper environmental temperature is essential to maintain body's functions and experiments carried out regarding the effect of temperature suggest that extremes of the temperature are often cause immunosuppression directly by acting on the cells of immunity or indirectly through inducing stress and thereby increasing production of catecholamine which are potent anti-immune molecules. Various pathogenic as well as non-pathogenic bacteria cause immune suppression and immune potentiation, respectively. Proper exercise hold a prime position in the healthy life as it supports immunity and keeps disease away. The present review deals with all these immunomodulators having both positive and negative impact on the health status of an individual.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diet*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Environment
  • Humans
  • Immune System / drug effects*
  • Immune System / immunology
  • Immune System / metabolism
  • Immune System / microbiology
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage*
  • Immunologic Factors / metabolism
  • Nutritional Status*
  • Stress, Physiological

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors