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Psychoneuroimmunology | Connecting the mind, brain, gut, and immune system

Written by Kate Street, Clinical Nutritionist and Communications and Content Coordinator at Blackmores Institute

Key highlights

  • Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) explores the bidirectional interactions between psychological processes, the nervous system, and immune function.
  • Stress signalling can influence immune balance through neuroendocrine pathways, including the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system.
  • The gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiome are important contributors to neuroimmune communication, linking microbial, immune, and neural signalling pathways.
  • Emerging research is exploring how lifestyle factors and nutritional approaches may support immune resilience through these interconnected systems.

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