Integrative Therapies as Immunomodulators

The field of integrativeIntegrative medicine is rapidly advancing and, given the multidisciplinary approach as well as influences from many parts of the world, brings together many facets of immunologyImmunology and immunomodulationImmunomodulation. The diverse origins of therapies, including herbal, botanicalBotanical, spice roots, and other natural sources, give rise to many applications as anti-inflammatoryAnti-inflammatory agents. Dermatologists incorporate integrativeIntegrative therapies in diseases such as acneAcne, rosaceaRosacea, atopic dermatitis, psoriasisPsoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativaHidradenitis suppurativa among others, attempting to modulate the actions of neurotransmitters, cytokinesCytokine, and cellular balances. More importantly, the advances in the field are highlighting combinationCombinations therapies as well as alternatives to prescription medicines to accomplish therapeutic benefits. This chapter will outline the impact of diet and nutrition, supplementation, and probioticsProbiotic, used in conjunction with or without conventional immunomodulatorsImmunomodulators to modify a disease process and bring benefits to patients who might have been previously out of options.