During acute stress, the brain communicates with muscles to recruit immune cells, activating the immune system's antibacterial elements like neutrophils to prepare for a potential threat. This showcases a preemptive signal to defend against infections during fight or flight responses. Conversely, when infected with a virus or bacteria, symptoms are mostly mental, inducing sickness behavior where individuals isolate themselves. Studies suggest that humans can detect infection in others by subtle cues like biological motion or even body odor changes. This mind-immune system interaction showcases an evolutionary survival strategy where the immune system recruits the mind during infection, emphasizing the interconnectedness and adaptive nature of the defense system in optimizing for procreation and survival.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode