In DSM-IV, psychophysiological disorders are defined as any medical conditions which are adversely affected by psychological factors such as stress, behavior, or mood. Headache.

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is the study of how the brain, nervous system, and immune system impact each other. Researchers are beginning to discover ways in which the central nervous system and immune system communicate with each other, and these findings are the basis of PNI.

PNI is concerned with the mechanisms of multidimensional psychobehavioral-neuroendocrine-immune system interactions. The emphasis in PNI is on developing an understanding of how the immune system is influenced by both sociobehavioral (psychosocial-spiritual) and physiological (neuroendocrine) interactions.

the study of the effects of psychological factors on the immune system. Abbreviation: PNI.

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), also referred to as psychoendoneuroimmunology (PENI) or psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (PNEI), is the study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems of the human body.

Psychoneuroimmunology is the term used to describe the interactions between the emotional state, nervous system function, and the immune system. Investigations into these interactions have documented that the mind and attitude play a significant role in the functioning of the immune system.

A new study has raised the possibility that stress may cause autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, because it found a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases among people who were previously diagnosed with stress-related disorders.

Stress management can be complicated and confusing because there are different types of stress — acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress — each with its own characteristics, symptoms, duration and treatment approaches.

On a basic level, autoimmune disease occurs because the body’s natural defenses — the immune system — attack the body’s own healthy tissue. Researchers have several ideas about why this happens. When the body senses danger from a virus or infection, the immune system kicks into gear and attacks it.

Avoiding foods such as red meat, eggs, vegetable oils fried foods, sugar, dairy products, refined carbs, gluten, alcohol, and caffeine might be necessary to limit such flare-ups. Nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers, can also be problematic.

Little guidance is tailored to people with any specific autoimmune condition, but a study in people with IBS recommends avoiding:

• nightshades, such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
• grains.
• legumes.
• dairy.
• some vegetable oils.
• coffee.
• eggs.
• nuts and seeds.

But there are some down sides to your morning cup of coffee, especially if you have an autoimmune or inflammatory disease. Caffeine consumption can increase levels of a stress hormone called cortisol. When cortisol levels are chronically high there can be negative effects in the body.

Eating a thyroid-friendly diet can help reduce inflammation and decrease the severity of flare-ups. Try to eat meals that mostly consist of lean meat, fish high in omega-3’s, and vegetables. Some studies suggest that eating a gluten-free diet may also help people with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s.

It can also worsen symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease ( 5 ). Ginger and turmeric have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which could help decrease pain and protect against disease.

Reduce Stress It is also a common factor in worsening your body’s autoimmune response. Reducing stress and improving relaxation is often an important step in treating autoimmune disorders holistically. Natural treatments for reducing include meditation, yoga, massage, and exercise.