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Inflammation, Immunity, and Nutrition

Overview

This doctorate-level course examines the immune system through the lens of integrative and functional health, beginning with foundational immune processes and progressing to inflammation, autoimmunity, infection, allergy, immunodeficiency, and nutrition- and lifestyle-based interventions. Students will analyze immune mechanisms, evaluate scientific literature, and apply evidence-informed nutrition and lifestyle strategies to support immune health in clinical and real-world contexts.

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the structure and function of the innate, adaptive, humoral, and lymphatic components of the immune system, including key immune cells, cytokines, antibodies, and signaling pathways.

  • Analyze how immune dysregulation contributes to inflammation, autoimmunity, allergy, infection, neuroinflammation, and immunodeficiency across a range of acute and chronic conditions.

  • Differentiate major immune-mediated conditions and responses, including innate vs. adaptive immunity, food allergy vs. intolerance vs. sensitivity, and protective vs. dysregulated inflammatory responses.

  • Evaluate current scientific evidence on the effects of nutrition, nutraceuticals, botanicals, and lifestyle factors on immune function, inflammatory pathways, and disease outcomes.

  • Apply integrative health principles to assess case data and develop evidence-informed nutrition and lifestyle recommendations that remain within the scope of practice.

  • Synthesize and communicate immunological, clinical, and research-based information through scholarly discussions, case studies, presentations, and literature reviews using graduate-level critical thinking and professional writing.

More details

Required Course Pack:

  • Online Materials and Library Resources (OMLR)
  • Sompayrac, L. M. (2022). How the Immune System Works (7th ed) Wiley. ISBN: 9781119890683

Required Textbooks: 

View the required textbooks for this class, including ISBN, edition, and retail price, by visiting our Required Textbooks page.

Total Course Price:

View the total course price including tuition, fees, course materials, and shipping online here.

Last updated 10/16/2025

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