The pathophysiology of cancer is complex, involving the impact of the environment at a hierarchy of levels. At the 'maxi' level, the geochemical environment can exert both negative and positive influences upon the cancer process through, for example, man-made endocrine-disrupting chemicals and natural trace minerals such as selenium, respectively. At the 'midi' level is the body's internal biochemistry. A significant factor here is the acidity of body fluids. Finally, at the 'mini' level are the interactions of cancer cells with immune cells, neurones etc. within the tumour mass. Importantly, all these interactions are two-way and highly dynamic.

Soy food intake has been associated with a low risk of several cancers. In addition, soy food consumption during cancer treatment may result in better outcomes and longer survival. These observations led to in vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies to elucidate the biological actions of various compounds in soybeans.

Soy isoflavones have been found to have profound biological effects and modulate many of the pathways involved in cancer development and progression. In addition to their selective estrogen receptor modulatory effects, these compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and epigenetic effects, which may explain their potential role in cancer prevention and treatment.

Soy foods and soy isoflavones can be easily taken together with conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted agents and immunotherapeutic agents. They may enhance the efficacy and reduce the toxicities of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and other conventional cancer treatments.

Soy isoflavones should be investigated in symptom control, quality of life, palliative care, survivorship and integrative oncology research In addition to their benefits in cancer prevention and treatment, soy foods may also have potential uses in the prevention and treatment of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's disease. Soy isoflavones have also been shown to have anti-bacterial, and anti-viral effects and modulate the immune system promoting better immune function
where needed and suppressing overactive immune function such as in inflammation and autoimmune disorders because of its unique epigenetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

In summary, soy foods are not only excellent source of high-quality protein and valuable nutrition, but also provide many bioactive compounds with potential benefits for the entire body, ranging from infections and immunologic diseases to cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

In this presentation, Kerry will review how key immune herbs interact with the immune system and the clinical evidence that supports their use to both prevent and treat acute respiratory viral infections. The critical role of Echinacea root is emphasized and whether herbs can truly deliver antiviral activity will also be mentioned. The issue of herbs and cytokine storm risk is explored, based on a thorough review of the scientific and traditional literature (provided as a handout). Simple to use botanical immune support strategies are provided.

Cannabidiol modulates the immune system producing a balanced response for maintaining health and fitness. The equilibrium between inflammation and resolution is key to homeostasis. CBD with its multitude of targets appears able to restore the natural equilibrium essential to recovery. It's known to relieve intracellularly oxidative stress better than vitamin C and it suppresses activators involved in immunologic disease. CBD also interferes with the virulence of pathogens, toxins and even DNA defects. With Cannabidiol patients can experience a trifecta of immune, inflammation, and pain control using a safe product. Cannabidiol offers significant potential but requires better understanding by health professionals.

Chinese herbal medicine can be used to optimise health as well as treat illness. Chinese medicine has its own notions of health,  fundamentally as a balance of 'yin' and 'yang', and treats the root cause of illness as well as the symptoms/signs. Chinese herbal medicinal formulae are combinations of herbs, and their actions are understood in terms of Chinese medicine theory as well as modern pharmacology. This presentation examines how Chinese herbal medicine may be used to address imbalance in the body, and will also discuss how it is being used in China to help treat COVID-19.

The concept that the immune system can be 'boosted' or strengthened is a false premise. The immune system is enormously complex. Boost what? Innate or adaptive, cell-mediated or humoural? This presentation investigates immune function through the interaction of proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines. Cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 are inflammatory bodily responses to pathogenic factors but when becoming chronic, are responsible for many modern degenerate diseases. Antiinflammatory cytokines are suppressed in this process and individuals are then more prone to infectious disease.

Using phenolic compounds, we will examine how to regulate the pro/anti balance and the impact on immune function through that regulation through epigenetic manipulation and antioxidant status.

It is now well-documented that the human microbiome especially that part that occupies the intestines is comprised of a complex cohort of commensal and potentially pathogenic bacteria. The microbiota produces fundamental signals on the induction, training, and function of the host immune system. Specifically, microbial interactions in the intestines provide the necessary cues for the development of regulated signals in part by reactive oxygen species] that promote immunological tolerance, metabolic regulation and stability, and other factors, which may then help control local and extra- intestinal end organ (e.g., kidneys, liver) physiology.

In return, the immune system has largely evolved as a means to maintain the symbiotic relationship of the host with a cohort of highly diverse and evolving microbes. When operating optimally, this immune system-microbiota alliance allows the induction of protective responses to pathogens and the preservation of regulatory pathways involved in the maintenance of tolerance particularly to innocuous environmental antigens. Lifestyle, such as unconsidered dietary practices, and the lack of physical activity and the overuse of antibiotics can lead to a microbiota that lacks the resilience and diversity required to establish balanced immune responses. This phenomenon is proposed to account for some of the dramatic rise in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders in parts of the world where the symbiotic relationship with the microbiota has been the most affected.

Western Herbal Medicine has a lot to offer in the management of chronic disease. The practitioner can integrate herbal medicine easily into clinical practice and can do it simply with some basic herbal combination available in tablets or go deeply to making up combinations of liquid herbs. Here we will be discussing the differences between conventional drugs and herbal medicine and the evidence for the use of a few herbs that can be used immediately to give the novice a taste of the efficacy of herbal medicine.

The immune system is deeply embedded within the biochemical and physiological
matrix of living organisms and therefore amenable to modulation through
biochemical interventions. Whilst the scientific literature is rich with evidence of
intricate interactions between immune function, biochemistry and nutrition, in clinical
practice little consideration is paid to these factors as effective levers for enhancing
immunity. In this talk nutrients such as vitamins and minerals and biochemical
pathways which may be harnessed therapeutically to support immunity against
infections will be discussed. Special reference will be made to fatty acids, short chain
fatty acids, and phospholipids.

Viruses are deactivated by temperatures tolerable to humans and all mammals use fever to deal with viral infections. Heat has been used throughout human history to prevent and treat respiratory infections and there is a wealth of evidence to support the use of heat to treat and prevent viral infection. This lecture will discuss potential cellular, physiological and psychological mechanisms behind the use of heat, and present practical ways to use heat and heat-stress to support immune defences, build physiological and psychological resilience, and inhibit viral infection that could be developed and implemented rapidly and inexpensively on a wide sale.