Aging of immune system

Young people have a vigorous immune system that constantly check and fight potential diseases. Wherefore as we age past 60 years a marked decline in our immune system affects all the relative functions. It’s an accelerated aging also known as immune senescence, causing the lost of the ability to defend against cancers and infections, because of more and more failing immune cells. We all have three barriers against cancers, bacteria, viruses and infections, which are heavily affected by our natural aging:

Reduction of bone morrow production (the main fabric of our immune cells), which stops making fresh immune system cells, in terms of size and composition. Such reduction in stem cells activity leaves us with reduced numbers of ALL the circulating cell lines. 

Reduction in potency of immune cells (because they’ve lost the ability to constantly, perfectly, totally renovate): the remaining ones are always strained. Such cells are important because prevent serious infections, keeping a constant patrol out for emerging cancers and boosting immunity after a vaccine.

Reduction in the production of cytokines (protein molecules secreted by cells in order to fix the immune system, notifying their various components of a need for attack or cleaning up an infection or repair damaged tissue, etc.), less effective in regulating excessive inflammation (therefore leading to destruction of neurons, joints and endothelium, increased frailty, more exposure to infections).

The good news is that we can partially intervene to reverse the process in favour of each of the above three barriers of defence. Of course you already know a wide variety of supplements, vitamins and minerals to help. But consider these three in particular: Pu-erh tea, Reishi mushrooms and Cistanche. All of them with a milleniums-old history of improving health and longevity. In details:

Pu-erh Tea Extract – derived from fermented, ripened leaves of Camellia sinensis. It stimulates bone marrow activity and enhance the constituents of the circulating immune cells. It also lowers inflammatory levels of cytokines. It’s distinguished from other types of teas by the degree of fermentation, because is a post-fermented tea. Or a ripened tea, if you like. This natural microbial fermentation enhances the availability of beneficial molecules.

Reishi mushroom extract - has a very broad-spectrum immune system coverage, e.g. protecting against herpes simplex, influenza viruses, hepatitis B virus, cancer and even HIV. Thanks to an increased circulation of white blood cells while enhancing antibody-producing cells, stimulating activity of cells that devour bacteria and guide them to their targets.  

Cistanche – is a desert plant commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its extracts have the same benefits of Pu-erh tea and Reishi mushroom: boosting the numbers of circulating white blood cells (such as macrophages) and increasing T cells (which are involved in recognizing new threats and remembering old threats to our health). It stimulates production of bone marrow as well.

Growing older is associated with more health threats, but nowadays more than ever we have increasing powerful weapons to partially reverse the aging immune senescence.     

….Always humble,

Angiolino

(For more supplements and extras, please kindly visit: What do you lack?)

Telomeres (following)

As promised I’m now going to write about the most telomere-friendly foods, dividing them more or less in half, being in total twenty. Ready? Here we go:

Blueberries - One of the best source of antioxidants. They improve blood flow (benefitting your brain and your heart), fight cholesterol (containing pterostilbene), memory loss and diabetes. A mere half-cup serving has as much antioxidant power as five servings of other fruits and vegetables.

Grapefruit - In particular red grapefruit significantly decreases cholesterol and fight heart disease. It enhances every other health properties of different fruits if eaten together: even accelerating the effects of some prescription drugs. So check with your doctor. This is a very powerful fruit. 

Almonds – A true superfood. A fantastic source of protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and zinc. High in vitamin E and monounsaturated fats to keep your arteries supple.

Apples – They contain quercetin (I dedicated a whole post to this), which prevents oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol lowering the risk of damage to arteries and the risk of heart disease. They also contain pectin, also lowering the levels of blood cholesterol.

Avocados – The best fruit for a healthy heart. Rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamin E, folic acid and potassium. Most of all the first source of beta-sitosterol (reducing cholesterol) and lutein (an antioxidant that prevents cataracts and prostate cancer).

Beets – With high levels of carotenoids and flavonoids, they reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and one of the richest sources of folic acid. The silica helps the body utilize calcium reducing the risk of osteoporosis. They also have cleansing and detoxifying properties.

Broccoli – In this vegetable there are two powerful anticancer substances: sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. Sulforaphane destroys ingested carcinogenic compounds and kills the bacteria helicobacter pylori which cause stomach ulcers and gastric cancers. Indole-3-carbinol metabolizes estrogen, protecting against breast cancer. It’s also a good source of beta-carotene and potassium.

Sweet potatoes – A sweet potato is a meal in itself: full of protein, fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin E. Unlike white potatoes they won’t send your blood sugar soaring.

Garlic – Most probably the cancer fighting number one. It has the ability to prevent development of cancers of the breast, colon, skin, prostate, stomach and oesophagus. It stimulates the immune system by encouraging the growth of natural killer cells. It’s also able to destroy the newer super bugs that are resistant to the most powerful antibiotics.

Olive oil – Full of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It doesn’t even need to be presented: the secret of the Mediterranean diet itself.

Oranges – Its main flavonoid is hesperetin, which lower rates of heart disease. Hesperetin helps protect against inflammation as well. Oranges are a rich source  of pectin, which lowers cholesterol, and potassium which reduces blood pressure. They are also a rich source of folic acid, which lowers levels of homocysteine.

Wild salmon – It provides an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Here’s the main benefit: high levels of omega-3s have been correlated with telomeres length. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE USE OF FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS.

There are more telomere-friendly foods. I’ll surely talk about them in a future post. I hope you’re liking all the posts I’m dedicating to this particular topic. You can find them all in the “Telomeres” section.

….Always humble,

Angiolino

(To be followed)

(For more supplements and extras, please kindly visit: What do you lack?)