#244 How Immunity is influenced by the Mind with Dr Monty Lyman
Apr 24, 2024
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Dr Monty Lyman, expert in mind-immune system relationship, discusses how irritable bowel relates to mindset, gut rehabilitation, psychological stress and inflammation, and anti-inflammatory lifestyle benefits. They delve into the history of mind-body connections, gut health through fiber intake, and the significance of probiotics in mental well-being.
Emotions and microbes influence immune system health.
Gut rehabilitation supports overall health through diverse microbiome.
Inflammation from stress impacts mental health conditions like depression.
Autoimmune conditions may have underlying mental health connections and immune-mediated therapies are being researched.
Deep dives
Immune System and Mind Interconnection
The podcast explores the intricate relationship between the immune system and the mind, highlighting how emotional states, microbes, and immune responses are interconnected. Researcher Dr. Monty Lyman discusses the historical disconnect between the mind and the immune system, emphasizing the current understanding of their profound relationship.
Gut Rehabilitation and Microbiome Diversity
The discussion delves into the concept of gut rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of a diverse gut microbiome for overall health. Dr. Lyman explains the significance of introducing plant-based fiber to support gut health and microbiome diversity, cautioning against rapid dietary changes that can lead to digestive issues.
Inflammation and Mental Health
The podcast explores how low-grade inflammation, triggered by factors like stress or infections, can impact mental health conditions such as depression and psychosis. The link between inflammatory markers in the blood and conditions like inflamed depression is discussed, highlighting potential treatment approaches involving anti-inflammatory strategies.
Autoimmune Conditions and Mental Health
The conversation delves into the connection between autoimmune conditions and mental health, particularly exploring how certain individuals with severe mental health conditions may have underlying autoimmune issues. The podcast touches on the potential impact of inflammation on psychiatric disorders and ongoing research in identifying immune-mediated therapies.
The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Microbiome
The podcast delves into the concept of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and microbiome, likening it to a complex wheel where communication and interaction play vital roles. It highlights the redundancy in the body's communication systems, emphasizing that various elements such as nerves, molecules, and the gut microbiome all communicate and influence each other. This emerging science showcases the intricate connections between the gut microbiome, immune system, and the brain, shedding light on the language they share and the complexities yet to be fully understood.
Loneliness's Impact on Health and Immune System
A discussion on the detrimental effects of loneliness on health is featured, drawing attention to its potential impact on immune function and overall well-being. The podcast presents research indicating that loneliness can trigger inflammation, affecting not only infectious diseases but also heart and metabolic health. It stresses the significance of addressing loneliness as a serious public health concern, emphasizing the need for social connections and community as essential in preventing health issues.
Revolutionizing Medicine through Holistic Practices
The conversation shifts to redefining medical approaches by embracing a holistic view that integrates physical, mental, and societal aspects of health. The podcast advocates for a broader perspective in medical practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding patients within their social context. It explores the evolution of medical specialties and the need for a more interconnected approach in treating individuals, promoting resilience, flexibility, and a community-oriented mindset in medicine.
For most of medical history, in the West at least, the idea that there could be a relationship between the mind and the immune system was inconceivable.
At medical school, I was taught that there is no relationship whatsoever between our mindset and our ability to stave off infections like viruses, colds and even reduce our susceptibility to cancer.
But that is now thought to be completely incorrect. In fact there is a clear relationship between our emotions, our microbes and our immune systems.
To talk about this with me today is Dr Monty Lyman. A medical doctor, researcher and author who specializes in the relationship between the mind and the immune system. He is an Academic Clinical Fellow at the University of Oxford and in todays podcast we talk about:
How irritable bowel relates to an ‘irritable mind’
Gut Rehabilitation and what that entails
The relationship between the mind, body and microbes
Why psychological stress causes inflammation in the body
How an anti-inflammatory lifestyle can heal both the mind and body by recalibrating an unbalanced defence system
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