The Brain-Immune Axis

The brain-immune axis is the communication network between your brain and immune system. It allows the brain to influence immune responses, such as fighting infections or reducing inflammation, through signals like hormones and neural pathways. Conversely, immune molecules can affect brain function, impacting mood, cognition, and behavior. This interaction helps the body respond to stress, injury, and illness efficiently. Understanding this axis highlights how mental health and physical health are interconnected, showing that what happens in your mind can influence your immune defenses, and vice versa.