Professor Lesley Braun facilitates a conversation with Dr Adrian Lopresti, Dr Damian Kristoff, Emma Sutherland and Dr Michelle Woolhouse, all from different modalities and perspectives looking at immunity.
Key foundational concepts such as holism and interconnectedness, self care and the importance of convalescence are covered as is a deep dive into key herbs and nutrients to support the immune system.
We hope this helps support you and your patients negotiate this winter season, the seriously cold weather, and arms you with some practical prescribing perspectives.
Vitamin C, well known for its immune support action, forms a major part of most Australian diets, leading to presumptions that clients are meeting nutritional requirements. While this essential vitamin has a plethora of other health benefits, more Australians may be deficient than we realise with the re- emergence of scurvy in modern day populations.
Vitamin C (also known ascorbic acid, AA) is a hydrophilic molecule that is vital for optimal functioning. Humans cannot synthesise vitamin C endogenously as they do not make the enzyme L-gulono-1,4 lactone oxidase which is essential for the biosynthesis of vitamin C.1 Instead, dietary vitamin C must be obtained to ensure daily adequate intake.
The recent resurgence of respiratory infections following the COVID-19 pandemic is a topic of great interest, with the prevalence of viral infections such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on the rise around the globe.1 With COVID-19 still spreading rapidly in many countries,2 the collision of these viruses has been termed a ‘tripledemic’.3 The incidence of bacterial infections such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and group A Streptococcus have also been increasing.4
Whilst the mechanisms behind the rising incidence of these infections are unknown, current thought amongst experts are around the concepts of immunity debt versus immunity theft.5
The immune system is significantly complex in its physiology and functionality. Maintaining homeostasis involves an intricate interaction between the innate and adaptive immune systems, and the cells, receptors, molecules and chemical substances that comprise these systems.1
This complexity also extends to the impact of many factors on immune function, including diet and nutritional status, lifestyle, physical activity levels, age, stress, microbiome composition, and
physiological and genetic variability.2-4
Join fx Medicine ambassador Emma Sutherland and naturopath Ananda Mahony as they explore the complex pathophysiology, aetiology, and treatment options for the common skin condition, rosacea from a naturopathic perspective.
Naturopath Daniel Sipple shares his experience in working with autoimmune conditions with fx Ambassador Lisa Costa-Bir as they discuss Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome (MAS).
Beth O’Hara, Functional Naturopath, expertly guides us through Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), exploring signs and symptoms, genetic variants, and functional testing to help practitioners pinpoint how this chronic condition is affecting patients.
Professor Craig Hassed and Dr. Michelle Woolhouse discuss the fascinating world of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), connecting the brain, nervous and immune systems and their impact on health.