6 important measures that work to enhance the efficiency of the immune system in advanced stages of life
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When individuals have a healthy immune state, this will result in strengthening the body’s resistance to diseases, especially with the elderly and people of advanced age, especially since people in these groups often suffer from some health problems and chronic diseases. In general, today we will learn in detail about the 6 best preventive measures that work directly to enhance the functioning of the immune system, especially with the elderly. So let’s get started.
How does the immune system change with age?
How does the immune system change with age?
The immune system is a group of cells, tissues, and organs that work together in parallel to protect the body from viruses, bacteria, and foreign pathogens. It is worth noting that this device is the body’s first line of defense against infection and disease in general.
As we age, the immune system tends to weaken, which means it takes longer to interact with harmful germs, and thus the immune system becomes less effective in fighting infections and diseases. Therefore, the best thing every person can do is try to follow healthy lifestyles to support the immune system to function optimally and properly.
What factors affect the functioning of the immune system?
What factors affect the functioning of the immune system?
Although genetics plays an important role in the body’s immunity, there are some other non-genetic factors that can also participate in this matter. For example, we can mention the germs that we are exposed to throughout our lives and their direct role in this matter, in addition to some personal lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, diet, and exercise, and their effective roles in strengthening the body’s defenses, mainly effective. .
What are the 6 best measures to support the immune system as we age?
First: Eat foods rich in antioxidants
Eat foods rich in antioxidants
Many of us forget that the efficient functioning of the immune system is directly related to the foods that are introduced into the body. It is worth noting that healthy nutrients are essential for immune function, as this helps enhance the formation of white blood cells and antibodies to fight diseases.
Specifically, antioxidants help protect the body at the cellular level by neutralizing potentially harmful substances that enter our bodies. It should be known that most plant foods are good sources of antioxidants, which are eggplant, legumes, chocolate, blueberries, and pomegranates.
In addition, the body also needs beneficial bacteria that work to balance the intestinal microbiome and eliminate infections, as they are obtained through foods containing probiotics such as yogurt, sour milk, and natural cheese.
Second: Take vitamin supplements C
Take vitamin C supplements
Vitamin C plays a very important role in supporting the immune system and fighting infections. For example, red peppers contain more vitamin C than citrus fruits, so it is always recommended to eat foods containing this vitamin on a regular daily basis through our daily meals.
If necessary, under medical supervision and after conducting examinations and diagnosing the health condition, supplements with this vitamin must be used to compensate the elderly person’s body for any deficiency that afflicts him at these times.
Third: Take zinc supplements
Take zinc supplements
A deficiency of zinc in the body can affect the body’s innate immunity and its ability to adapt in general. It is worth noting that zinc plays an important role against many different types of cells.
For example, we can mention lymphocytes, which are a major type of white blood cell present in the immune system, and which can work well thanks to the body obtaining sufficient amounts of zinc, and from here we must know that this vitamin is found in meat. Cows, grains, shellfish, seeds and legumes, and if necessary, nutritional supplements will be taken under medical supervision by specialists.
Fourth: Exercise regularly
Exercise regularly
Who among us can deny the benefit of exercise for adults and children, which we must work to practice every day for 30 minutes.
It is worth noting that some scientific studies and research have proven that performing regular exercises is an important matter that helps reduce stress and anxiety, which then results in improving the functioning of the immune system and delaying the appearance of pathological imbalances associated with the age condition.
Fifth: Reducing stress levels and maintaining good sleep
Reduce stress levels and maintain good sleep
As it is clear to all of us that there are many pressures in life that are controlling us these days, so taking some correct steps to manage stress levels such as managing time well, balancing work and personal life, and knowing how to take care of oneself is one of the important things that It supports a healthy immune system.
In addition, it is important to know that sleep and immunity have a bidirectional relationship, meaning that the immune response is directly related to sleep. When sufficient periods of sleep are obtained early, this will result in enhancing the mood, strengthening the work of the immune system, and increasing the efficiency of its performance.
Moreover, lack of sleep leads to the body producing more of the hormone cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, which directly works to weaken immunity.
Sixth: Avoid the passive smoking habit
Avoid passive smoking habit
There is no doubt that the smoking habit is one of the most important negative habits that are harmful to health, as it causes many damages to the immune system, as it can make the body unable to fight many health and disease problems.
It should also be known that this habit harms the balance of the immune system, which increases the risk of developing some immune and autoimmune disorders, and this is due to the immune system mistakenly attacking normal and healthy cells and tissues of the body.
