In the area of public awareness, there is often a misperception that environmental factors have no impact on the immune function and the risk of infection. In fact, the environment is like an “invisible hand” that is shaping our immune line at all times and influencing the risk of infection.
Let’s start with the natural environment in which we live. Sunshine is a precious gift from nature. Skin-synthetic vitamin D can be stimulated by moderate sunlight exposure. Vitamin D can’t be simple, but it plays an important role in the immune system. Research has found that it enhances the activity of megacorts, which are like “scavers” in the immune system, capable of devouring and eliminating pathogens, thus increasing human resistance to various pathogens, such as tuberculosis. Overdoses of UV radiation, however, can damage skin cells, weaken the immune barrier function of the skin and make pathogens such as viruses and bacteria more vulnerable to human intrusion. For example, people with long-term outdoor tans and inadequate protective measures are not only vulnerable to skin infections, but may also increase the risk of whole-body infections.
Looking at the air environment again, clean air is essential to maintain a good immune function. In areas of poor air quality, such as industrially polluted cities or mists, the air is filled with large amounts of harmful particles, such as PM2.5. These tiny particles are capable of carrying bacteria, viruses and various chemical contaminants that, if inhaled to the human body, can stimulate respiratory mucous membranes and trigger inflammation. Respiratory mucous membranes are the first line of protection against pathogens in the human body. Long-term inflammatory irritation can damage them and inhibit the functioning of immunocellular cells, thereby significantly increasing the likelihood of respiratory infections, such as influenza, influenza and pneumonia, which are more easily accessible.
Nor should the living environment be overlooked. Moist living conditions are hotbeds for fungus. The fungus and its spores are dispersed in the air and may cause allergies, i.e., coughing, sneezing, asthma, etc., after inhalation to humans. For populations with less immune capacity, such as the elderly, children and people with chronic diseases, fungus infections may further develop into serious problems such as lung infections. Dry, well-ventilated and clean living conditions, on the other hand, help to reduce the growth and spread of pathogens and provide favourable conditions for the proper functioning of the immune system.
The working environment also has a profound impact on the immune function. People in high-pressure, high-intensity working environments, such as health-care workers, white collars, etc., are able to excrete large amounts of stress hormones, such as cortisol. Cortical-quality alcohol helps the body to cope with stress in the short term, but inhibits the functioning of the immune system when it remains at high levels over time. It interferes with the generation and activity of white cells, making it impossible for immunocellular cells to effectively identify and attack pathogens, thus increasing the risk of infection. In addition, in special workplaces, such as hospitals, health-care personnel are at high risk of exposure to various strains, which, when combined with immunosuppression due to work stress, are expected to increase significantly.
The dietary environment is also an important factor affecting immunization. Uneven diets, such as long-term high sugar, high fat and low-fibre diets, can cause intestinal fungus disorders. The intestinal tract is the largest immune organ in the human body, and intestinal strains play a key role in maintaining the intestinal immune balance. When intestinal strains are imbalanced, the reduction in the number of beneficial bacteria and the high number of harmful bacteria breed can cause intestinal inflammation and affect the immune barrier function of intestinal mucous membranes. This not only increases the risk of intestinal infections, such as bacterial dysentery, viral intestinal inflammation, but can also lead to a general immunodeficiency disorder, reducing the body ‘ s resistance to other infections.
Environmental factors are by no means “outsiders” of immune functions and risk of infection. We live in an ecosystem that is closely linked to the environment, and every nuance of the environment can fuel it in our immune line. Understanding the impact of environmental factors on immunization helps us to proactively improve the living environment, from the natural environment, the living environment, the working environment to the dietary environment, to reduce exposure to adverse environmental factors, enhance immunization functions, reduce the risk of infection and build solid walls for the health of ourselves and their families.
