Nutrition and Immune Health
Presented by Roberta Anding
Non-Financial: Roberta Anding has no competing non-financial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
This course will provide evidence-based content on the lifestyle and nutritional factors needed to support all areas of the immune system: barrier, innate, and adaptative function. Armed with this knowledge, healthcare providers will be able to provide authoritative guidance to clients and patients.
Meet your instructor
Roberta Anding
Roberta Anding is a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for the Baylor College of Medicine Corporate Programs team. She is an instructor in the Baylor Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Roberta is faculty at Rice University and is currently the sports dietitian for the Rice Owls. She is the former sports dietitian…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Immune System Overview
The immune system is multilayered, allowing for a complex and organized response to pathogens. It is composed of the innate and the adaptive immune responses. The innate immune response is nonspecific and quick to react, whereas the adaptive immune response is slow to respond yet specific in nature. Nutrition and lifestyle have an impact on the function of these layers.
2. Health Fraud in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond
Health fraud is defined as deceptive practices marketing unproven products to prevent or treat disease. The warning signs of health fraud include the use of medical jargon and terms such as “all-natural” or “clean.” Fraudulent products can also promise money-back guarantees and limited availability to promote quick sales.
3. Impact of Macronutrients on Immune Function
Nutrition can have an impact on immune function. Macronutrients include total calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. Inadequate calories and protein can suppress immune function by limiting production of white blood cells. Carbohydrates and dietary fiber support the immune response via the gut microbiota. A balance of macronutrients is essential for optimal immune function.
4. Impact of Micronutrients on Immune Function
Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are essential for the maintenance of the immune system. Key nutrients include zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids. The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are designed for people who are well, and during illness, these requirements increase. Supplementation is often needed to support a competent immune system during physiological stress.
5. Impact of Lifestyle on Immune Function
Lifestyle factors also can have a profound impact on immune function. Sleep deprivation and alcohol are common factors that can suppress immune function. Lack of sleep can increase stress hormones and alter white blood cell function. Alcohol consumption can impair protein synthesis and increase the likelihood of infection. Lifestyle, along with diet, can have a profound impact on immune health.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Medbridge courses.
Who creates Medbridge courses?
We work with industry-leaders, top researchers, and consultants to build content roadmaps that are then structured into courses, filmed, and edited by our production team before being launched to our site.
How often does Medbridge release new courses?
New courses are added monthly and are automatically included in your subscription as they launch.
How often does Medbridge update courses?
Medbridge reviews its courses annually for relevance and to assess if content is up to date. Based on these reviews it may be determined that a course is out of date resulting in the course being re-filmed or retired, if the content is no longer needed (e.g. a replacement course already exists, the concepts are no longer best practice, etc.).
How many courses does Medbridge offer?
We have over 3,000 accredited courses and we are continually updating our library with new courses. Check our course library for the most up-to-date count for your discipline.
Are there any additional fees for taking a Medbridge course?
There are no additional fees for taking a Medbridge course, obtaining a course certificate of completion, earning CEUs as a subscriber, or accessing any of the additional tools your subscription may include.
Is there a limit to the number of courses I can take?
There is no limit to the number of courses you can take as a subscriber! As a subscriber to Medbridge, you have unlimited access to over 3,000+ accredited CE courses.
If you are a Premium subscriber, you also have unlimited access to our Patient Engagement Tools such as the Home Exercise Program, Patient Education Library, Orthopedic Exam Tests, and Manual Therapy Techniques. We have over 7,000 exercises and over 650+ videos and handouts of patient education resources with more exercises and patient education added to the library based on subscriber feedback, volume of request and specialities.
What is your refund policy?
You are eligible for a refund provided your request is received within 30 days of your subscription purchase and your account has no activity.