The immune system is a complex biological system involving many different immune cells and their signaling molecules, organs such as the liver, spleen and thymus gland, various components of the endocrine, nervous and lymphatic systems, mucosal barriers including the extracellular matrix, as well as mitochondria. Recent scientific evidence indicates that an overarching indicator of the health of any system, including the immune system, is the ability to maintain rhythms in sync with the natural 24hr light dark solar cycle.
Current lifestyle choices including working night shift, jet lag, social jet lag and the excessive use of artificial light at night can disrupt natural biorhythms and contribute to disease. This lecture will provide a broad overview of the scientific evidence indicating that all major components contributing to an immune response follow circadian rhythms. Throughout the lecture, emphasis will be given to therapeutic access points that can be leveraged to realign circadian rhythms and regain immune health. An increased understanding of the role of circadian rhythms in immunity provides Naturopathic doctors with an additional, and often overlooked, therapeutic method into regaining and maintaining optimal immunity in their patients.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, the clinician will be aware that:
- All major components contributing to an immune response follow natural rhythms.
- There are different ways to disrupt natural rhythms that could contribute to disease.
- There are potential treatment options to restore natural rhythms and support optimal immune responses.
CE Credits
CONO: Category A General – 1.0 credit;
British Columbia: Category C General – 1.0 credit
AANP: General – 1.0 credit;
OANP/OBNM: For Oregon attendees seeking OBNM approved CE credits, please note that this event has not been submitted for approval to the OBNM. CE certificate will be issued upon individual request.
Dr David W Lescheid, BSC, PHD, ND
David W Lescheid, BSc, PhD, ND works as freelance Medical Writer and consultant providing scientific material and delivering lectures that help support patient care using Integrative medical principles. He also works part-time teaching Leadership workshops to scientists as well as part-time as the MedicoScientific Manager of the International Academy of Bioregulatory Systems Medicine in Baden-Baden, Germany.
Prior to these current positions, Dr Lescheid was a Professor at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine where he taught Physiology, Microbiology, and Infectious disease as well as Clinical Care. Additionally, he spent four years practicing full-time in a large multidisciplinary health clinic in Ottawa with specialized interests in the immune system and infectious disease, mens health issues, obesity concerns, and sports medicine. He has been a member of several federal and international committees including the Expert Advisory Committee (EAC) to Health Canada, the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and other government and media relations subcommittees.
Dr Lescheid graduated with honors from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in 2002. He earned his PhD in Molecular Biology and Protein Chemistry from the University of Victoria. He completed his B.Sc. in Biology, earned a Diploma in Health and Fitness studies from Simon Fraser University, and has additional training in IV therapies, homotoxicology, homeopathy, and different forms of bodywork. Dr Lescheid is a frequent guest speaker at various international medical and scientific seminars, and has published extensively on complementary and integrative medicine.
