Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)

Prof. Dr. Stefan Hockertz

Psychoneuroimmunology was founded by the American psychologist Robert Ader, who demonstrated in 1974 that the immune system cooperates with the central nervous system and is capable of learning. To do this, he administered a saccharin solution paired with the immunosuppressant cyclophosphamide to rats. After a while, he administered only the sweetened water to the rats. As a result, in addition to a conditioned taste aversion to the saccharin solution, decreased antibody production and increased mortality were observed in the conditioned experimental animals. This means that the sweetener, which originally had no effect on immune function, elicited comparable immunosuppressive* effects after conditioning learning. Thus, Ader was able to show that our immune system is capable of learning. Since then, psychoneuroimmunology has become a major field of modern scientific research.

*Immunosuppression = suppression of the immune system.

Still a relatively young field of science

Close connection between the psyche and the nervous and immune systems

Psychoneuroimmunology links the soul (psyche), the nervous system (neuro) and the body’s defenses (immunology). Their research findings impressively document that these three systems are in close information exchange with each other. That the psyche and the nervous system are interrelated is intuitively obvious. The close connection with the immune system is surprising at first glance. But it turns out that messenger substances of the nervous system have an effect on the immune system and vice versa messenger substances of the immune system have an effect on the nervous system. Thus, there are bidirectional relationships between the central nervous system, the endocrine system (hormone system) and the immune system. Interfaces of these regulatory circuits are, for example, the brain with the pituitary gland (hypophysis), the adrenal glands and the immune cells. Because of the interaction of hormones, PNI is closely related to psychoneuroendocrinology, which studies these interactions in more detail.

Psyche has direct effects on the immune system

PNI focuses on the effect of the psyche on the immune system, e.g., why chronic stress can negatively affect immune factors. Other negative psychological influencing factors are anxiety, fear, worry or depression. It should be noted that there are concrete links between these stress factors and an increased risk of infection. A current example: Stirring up fear of a viral disease directly increases susceptibility to infection with the corresponding virus! Also the partly stressful measures against a possible infection generate stress and have a direct effect on psyche, nerves and immune system. Against this background, it is an interesting statement, which the responsible persons of the science program “Monitor” of the ARD made on November 19, 2009 about the swine flu: “The real pandemic is the fear of it”(link to the video, quoted statement comes at the very end). Conversely, and this is the good news, there are psychological factors that positively influence the immune system. For example, optimism, positive, joyful and life-affirming thinking, a strong self-esteem, social bonds or inner balance with meaningful feelings such as calm, power and strength. For example, if you get into the habit of looking at the glass half full instead of the glass half empty, if you cultivate gratitude, forgiveness and rejoice in life, you positively influence your immune system! On this basis a positive spiral can be set in motion with pleasing results on the whole person.

Chronic stress: developing immune deficits and clinical consequences (some examples)

1. Decreased immunological memory
   • decreased formation of T cells (belong to the lymphocytes and play an important role in the human immune system; recognize antigens)
   • Decreased response of Natural Killer (NK) cells, (also belong to the lymphocytes and can recognize and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or virus-infected cells)
2. Indications of reactivation of latent herpes virus infections (e.g. Epstein-Barr virus)
3. Decreased vaccination success (antibodies, T-cell response), e.g. after influenza vaccination
4. Increased infections after vaccination
5. Increased respiratory and skin infections, increased sick days

Pressing the “feel good button” in people

Of course, PNI is closely linked to psychotherapeutic interventions such as meditation, stress management, etc. To do PNI without a psychotherapeutic approach or psychological intervention is to forget the “P” in PNI! Relaxation exercises, cognitive training or exercise are also part of it. All of these measures have one thing in common: they are intended to flip a lever in the mind, to be anxiety-relieving and relaxing, to trigger a “feel-good button,” to positively change one’s attitude toward life in general and toward illness or health.

People who feel loved are less likely to get sick.

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Holistic view of the human being

By its very nature, psychoneuroimmunology works in an interdisciplinary manner, borrowing from psychology, neurology, immunology, endocrinology (deals with hormones), sociology, sports and nutrition sciences, and even religious studies and theology, among others. Its areas of application include environmental diseases or environmental medicine issues, susceptibility to infections, menopausal symptoms, age-related complaints, mental instability or convalescence. It can be used prophylactically or in acute cases. The WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In summary, PNI is an innovative, young and modern specialty that follows this ancient, proven and holistically beneficial principle.

Supporting the body holistically after GTMP immunizations

Currently we receive many inquiries whether and how the various GTMP immunizations (GTMP = gene therapy medicinal products) against Covid could be eliminated. We are skeptical about this. Once a GTMP product is in the body, it is difficult to “get it out.” What we can do, however, is to strengthen specifically those systems that could be affected by possible GTMP effects. Again, the focus is on the psyche, nervous and immune systems. For example, the spike protein is membrantoxic and therefore always neurotoxic. However, if we can strengthen and support the psyche, nervous and immune systems in a targeted manner and make use of the connections between these systems established by PNI, we can decisively mitigate and alleviate the negative consequences of an immunization, strengthen the immune system at the same time, become more resistant and in turn set the above-mentioned positive spiral in motion. Accordingly, it is so important that we look to the future with hope and confidence.

Possible active substances as food supplements

PNI-relevant products must therefore act simultaneously on the psyche, nerves and the immune system. The simultaneity is important, because only then the necessary and desired synergies occur. First of all, a good basic supply of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, e.g. through a vitalizing multipreparation that is as close to nature as possible, comes into question. Its active ingredients strengthen the psyche, nerves and immune system, have an antioxidant effect, give energy and thus contribute to quality of life and joie de vivre.

Furthermore, a good anti-inflammatory is helpful to prevent the immune system from overshooting and to protect attacked nerves. Here, for example, turmeric can be used, whose ingredients show very good anti-inflammatory effects. Some green tea, preferably matcha powder, enhances the anti-inflammatory effect.

Finally, a mixture of other ingredients is conceivable to further increase the quality of life and thus trigger a positive spiral with regard to the psyche, nerves and immune system as described. For example, dandelion extract (anti-inflammatory, inhibits interleukin-6), grape seed extract (vasoprotective, antioxidant), reishi spore powder (nerve-protective), quercetin (e.g. from the Japanese cord tree, antioxidant), brown algae extract (detoxifying, immune-strengthening, heart-protective) or rose root extract (mood-lifting, stress-reducing) come into question. With this colorful bouquet of possibilities we can additionally support psyche, nervous and immune system!

Fields of application of the mentioned active substances and PNI

Basically a prophylactic as well as acute application is possible:

• Susceptibility to infections
• Menopausal complaints
• Age-related complaints
• Mental instability
• Convalescence
• Environmental illnesses
• After medical procedures, medications, vaccinations, injuries, etc.

Recommended products

There are practical monthly boxes, in which above described ingredients are already included in a suitable combination. I can recommend these to support the recovery of the mutual interactions of the psyche, nervous and immune systems.

Duration of intake

As long as necessary or e.g. for three months after GTMP immunization against Corona.

Positive, holistic effects

Overall, PNI products are thus intended to act simultaneously on the psyche, nervous and immune systems. They take a holistic and integrative approach. The idea is to hit an actual “feel good” button in people with positive effects on robustness to infections, neurological health, psychological and emotional stability, resilience, and faster and more complete convalescence. It is good to know that immune activity can be specifically supported by psychological interventions and that an alert immune system simultaneously supports the psyche and the nerves.