A stronger immune system allows the body to fight diseases and viruses.
While some people can be born with a good immunity, some others must build on it.But as we age, our immune system weakens and our capability to respond to infections gets slower. As a result maintaining a balance and following these guidelines helps create a stronger body that can sustain in the long run.
Dr. Sean X. Leng and his laboratory team at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, study the biology of healthy aging with a focus on chronic inflammation in late-life decline. The lab also studies “immunosenescence” the decline in immune function as we age. Leng’s team is interested in the relationship between immunosenescence and the basic biological and physiological changes related to aging and frailty in the human immune system.
Researcers recently talked about the role of immunosenescence
(Immunosenescence is the gradual deterioration of the immune system brought on by natural age advancement), in the COVID-19 pandemic, and how a gerontologist approach can help address the problem.
(Immunosenescence is the gradual deterioration of the immune system brought on by natural age advancement), in the COVID-19 pandemic, and how a gerontologist approach can help address the problem.
Dr. Sean X. Leng: The thing that’s most pertinent to aging and gerontologists is that older adults are at the greatest risk of hospitalization, winding up in the intensive care unit (ICU) and death from COVID-19. The case fatality rate is far higher among older adults than among the young and middle-aged.
Two points in terms of older adults vulnerability to the diseases...
-One is that our overall immune defense decreases as we age. To put it in simple terms, because of the decline in immune function, if even one viral particle gets into the airways of an older adult, it may be enough for the virus to survive and grow there because of the decline in immune function. For younger individuals, if you have a very strong immune system, the body may be able to kill that virus even if more particles get in.
-The other aspect is what we call "immune dysregulation". Some of the initial research shows that the virus can actually stimulate the airway to produce what’s known as a ‘cytokine’ storm. Cytokines are small protein molecules, or peptides, that play an important role both in the acute inflammatory response and also in the immune response.
Because the immune system, like other systems in our bodies, is highly regulated, the production of excess cytokines can cause tissue damage. It’s an overreaction to the virus. As in the pathogenesis of sepsis, a cytokine storm, in some cases, can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure), circulation collapse and multiorgan failure.
One of the key indicators for severe cases such as COVID-19, was when patients developed "lymphopenia" (a dangerously low level of lymphocytes in the blood) between four and six days after disease onset.
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that include T cells and B cells, which are critical immune cells. So they found the virus killed both CD4 and CD8 cells, which are the two major categories of T cells.
Those severe cases where patients developed lymphopenia in day four to six resulted in very poor outcomes. Most of these patients died from COVID-19.
So, the virus is kind of a double whammy for older adults. When you think about it, older adults have a weaker immune system to start with, so it’s easier for the virus to get in and grow there. And then when this virus starts to kill those remaining immune cells, it will make outcomes for older adults even worse.
Geroscience addresses resiliency and the ability of older adults to fight infections and other diseases by targeting the underlying biology of aging, rather than just a specific pathogen. Even within the coronavirus family, we had SARS, we had MERS, and now we have COVID-19. So, going after specific individual pathogens, which is the traditional paradigm, won’t work.
The key issue is really, how can we help increase the immune function of older adults, which will help to limit the severity of the disease?
"Even if we develop the most potent vaccinein the world, if a person, particularly an older adult, does not respond well or is not able to mount a good immune response, then it really doesn’t matter. Instead of focusing only on the virus, we really need to focus on the host, on older adults. It’s obvious, if an older adult’s immune system is not working well, no matter what vaccine you give, it’s not going to be able to mount a good immune protection".
But how can you strengthen your immune system?
According to the Dubai Health Authority “nutrition” is the best way to start.
Citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, lemons etc enhance immune system’s responses against infections.
Amino acids, which are organic compounds and are considered the building blocks of life.
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients and must be a part of one’s daily diet. There are different vitamins that all contribute to the better functioning of different organs and body parts.
Vitamin A, help in “cell division and successful response in the immune system”.
Vitamin E, act as antioxidants, which slow the damage of cells.
Foods rich in Vitamin C like kiwi and bell peppers should be consumed.
Additionally, “selenium” a mineral, acts as an antioxidant and can help boost immunity, reduce the risk of cancer and has many other benefits.
CBD Oil or foods such as meat, eggs, fish and nuts contain omega-3,-6,-9 fatty acids, which the body converts into endocannabinoids which can support the body's immune system and therefore are attractive targets for the development of anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
CBD Oil is one of the most nutritious foods available to humans and one of earth’s most ecologically sustainable crops. It is a complete protein source which makes it a great alternative to meat and fish and an ideal protein choice for vegans. Not only is there no other plant based protein that can compete with hemp, it even gives meat and fish products a run for their money with its rich omega, fibre and mineral content. It is no wonder biologists, ecologists, health professionals and dieticians all over the world over are raving about the benefits of growing and eating hemp.
But is CBD Oil Safe for Seniors?
If you’re worried about whether CBD oil is safe for seniors, the general answer is Yes! It’s found to be safe for the majority of the adult general public to use as a dietary supplement. Plenty of seniors are taking advantage of the benefits of CBD oil to improve their quality of life, making it a little easier to make the most out of their golden years.
It’s always important to talk to your doctor if you think CBD is right for you. They can advise you on dosage, recommended methods for usage, and how it may affect existing health conditions or interact with any treatments you’re already taking. You should never combine CBD oil–or any other remedies–with other medications until after consulting a licensed health professional.
If your doctor is on board, the benefits of CBD for seniors are easy to see, so make an appointment to ask them about it today.
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