Immune Modulatory Activity of Food Phytochemicals

Maintaining normal immunological, physiological, and internal environment functions in the host body requires a healthy immune system. Balanced immunity bolsters the body’s defense against illness, infection, and unwanted pathogens in order to prevent allergic conditions and immunological issues. The positive interplay between innate immune cells and elements of the acquired immune system leads to the most effective immunological responses. The immune system has received more attention recently as a primary target of toxicity brought on by various factors such as exposure to chemicals, medications, and contaminants in the environment. How the immunological system of the host responds is impacted by a variety of factors, including age, stress, sex, genetic diversity, lifestyle choices, exposure to environmental contaminants, and chemotherapeutics. There are many immunosuppressants and immunostimulant medications on the market, many of which quickly result in pathogenic resistance and a variety of negative side effects. Positive immune responses are strictly regulated by natural compounds called phytochemicals that are present in foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and cereals. It has been demonstrated that the majority of these phytochemicals have immunomodulatory action. Consequently, the focus of this chapter is on the food phytochemicals’ ability to modulate the immune system.