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I’m sure we all recollect saying at 30, I feel so old.
Then comes the forties, with a sudden urge of wanting to live it up again probably the beginning stages of mid-life crisis, this goes on till we hit the mid- fifties.
Most of us older adults know there are certain parts that don’t quite work the way they used to. Be it raising your arms to reach for that hanger in your closet or squatting on the floor and needing full support to get back up on your feet.
It all seemed so easy at the time, but now you don’t really know what’s happening on the inside.
My issue is my immunity; I would give that top slot, I kept hearing,
“As you age your immune system does begin to downgrade dramatically.” Scientifically known as “immunosenescence.”
And boy oh boy, it showed up during the early fifties.
The annual cold and cough now showed up two-three times a year.
I always prized myself with a gut of steel, not anymore I say- dairy, sugar, gluten all need to do the vanishing act from my life.
Let’s briefly discuss “immunosenescence” As the immune system undergoes age-related alterations, the immune system progressively sees a difference in the body’s ability to respond to infections and develop immunity to vaccinations, leading to a higher mortality rate. Dr. Eric Klopack, a postdoctoral researcher in gerontology, observed that not all immune systems age at the same rate and found that social stress is also associated with signs of accelerated immune system ageing.
What is a stressful life?
Events such as- losing a job or a loved one, discrimination, suffering a life-threatening disease, financial strain all cause any amounts of stress.
In fact, when a doctor cannot diagnose what really is the matter, they immediately relate your condition to stress.
Ideally, the best thing you can do to keep immune system from ageing prematurely is to avoid stressful situations, while this is clearly close to impossible, your next best bet is to balance your work and social life, eat healthily, and get your weekly share of exercise.
Your immune system is basically your body’s defense against infections. When you are unwell, it produces antibodies designed to attack any viruses, bacteria or toxins that are making you sick. It is a complex system, but here are some indicators, or tell tale signs that your body is feeling run down
- Feeling more fatigued than usual — when your body is fighting low-grade infection, it often drains your energy reserves. So if you are constantly feeling under the weather and more fatigued than normal, it is a sign that your immune system is compromised.
- If you suffer from cold sores, cystitis, an autoimmune condition, food allergies or intolerances, it could mean two things — you are low on zinc, vitamins A-C-D3, or your immune system is over worked.
- Your digestion is causing you problems; this could be a sign of a run down immune system.
- Did you know that 70% of immune cells are in the gastrointestinal tract in the lining of the gut and they normally fight toxins that may have been ingested. They also regulate nutrients going in, so a weakened immune system can lead to stomach cramps and diarrhea.” Dr. Peter Abel (UCLan)
- Recurrent colds and flu — if you have cold or flu like symptoms more than four times a year; your immunity is weakened or compromised. Could mean your body is not making enough of lymphocytes, which produce antibodies to fight viral infections. Lack of vitamins B12, folic acid, and zinc needs checking.
- Low grade infections are easy to spot, and linger in the background, remain neglected as they are not severe, but you do know that something is not quite right. Examples- bleeding gums, athlete’s foot, upset tummy, bruises taking unusually longer to heal- its because your immune system is busy elsewhere.
What can you do about it?
While prevention is always better than cure, when you feel any of the above —
- Do your blood work, with vitamin deficiencies. In fact make it a practice to do it annually.
- Check with your GP.
- Follow a simple routine diet that includes rich whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grain, nutrients that cover all vitamins.
- Lifestyle – work life balance, time with family and friends is vital.
- Exercise- 30 minutes, for a minimum of four days a week.
- Reduce stress through mindfulness, yoga, meditation.
- Sleep is very important for a healthy immune system, regulate your circadian rhythm by morning light exposure, blue light blocking glasses at night.
- Quit smoking and recreational drugs.
- Alcohol intake should be within limits.
- Heard of The Wim Hof Method?
A three-pillar practice that combines meditation, breathing and exposure to cold as a means of controlling the body’s autonomous response systems (fight or flight). It helps activate your sympathetic nervous system. Make sure you consult your doctor before you begin.
Dutchman, Wim Hof, also known as the iceman, got his nick name from his dare devil acts such as climbing Kilimanjaro wearing only shorts and shoes, running a half marathon above the artic circle barefoot and most of all holding the Guinness world record for the longest time submerged in an ice bath (1hr, 52mins, 42 secs) the 61 year old says we all have scope to tap into these natural superpowers.
To summarize — Over time humans have shifted their focus and attitude towards nature and external factors, when the real power to deal with life, be it your health or your emotional quotient lies within you.
It’s your inner power that will strengthen very aspect of your life, you become better at dealing with stress and your resilience increases, keeping you strong through all adversaries.
After all your immunity is all in the mind.
