Aging and all that it brings with it, are inevitable. The irony of living longer is that we’re more likely to see our bodies’ defenses decline as we age. The body’s immune system is what helps protect it from the negative effects of foreign or harmful substances. The immune system creates antibodies and cells that fight and destroy substances such as viruses, bacteria, toxins, cancer cells, and tissues or blood from another human being. Unfortunately, the immune system doesn’t work as well as you grow older. The progressive deterioration of the immune system—its ability to responds effectively to infections and develop immunity after vaccination—is known as immunosenescence. It is associated with a higher mortality rate in the elderly.
Here’s everything you need to know about how aging affects your immunity and what you can do to improve it.
The Effects of Aging on the Immune System
The following changes may occur in your body’s immune system as you grow older:
- The body’s immune system grows slower to respond to foreign and harmful substances. A slower response is associated with an increased risk of getting sick. Vaccines such as flu shots may not work as well anymore or may not work to protect you for as long as expected.
- You may develop an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), and psoriasis, are diseases in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys regular and healthy tissues in the body.
- Your healing may slow down now. The body is producing fewer immune cells to combat illness and cause healing.
- The ability of the immune system to detect and work to fix cellular defects also declines. This is linked to a greater risk of developing cancer.
What You Can Do to Keep Your Body’s Immune System Strong
Your body’s immune system won’t decline with aging as much if you do the following things:
- Get yourself vaccinated with flu shots and pneumonia vaccines, as well as any other vaccines that your doctor or healthcare provider recommends.
- Make sure to exercise regularly. While strenuous physical activity may become more difficult as you age, you shouldn’t avoid exercise altogether because it helps boost your immunity to viruses and infections.
- Maintain a healthy diet. A nutrient-rich diet goes a long way in promoting a healthy immune system despite the effects of aging. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and reduce your intake of fat, sugar, and processed foods.
- Do everything in your power to stop smoking. A smoking habit can damage your immune system, your lung tissue, and increase the risk of developing cancer.
- Control your drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption limits the immunity-boosting nutrients in the body, and it lowers antibodies’ ability to kill germs.
A convenient way to make up for potential deficiencies in the body is through dietary supplements and herbal supplements online like Biobija Complex and Victoria T3 which contain many powerful herbs, vegetables and spices that are nutrient dense.
Disclaimer: Bixahuman’s products are not intended for diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any disease. Any information discussed in this blog is not a replacement for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or physician for medical advice.