As you read this, your body is playing host to countless battles. If you're currently fighting off an infection, this might feel obvious. But, even if you're well, the two trillion cells that make up your immune system, with a combined weight of over a kilogram (a little over two pounds), are battling against incoming germs, as well as keeping your own cells in check if they misbehave.
Your immune system is critical for preventing everything from infections to cancer, and can even help slow the ageing process. As such, reinforcing your internal army is key to your overall health. But what's the best way to do this? Claims in supplement adverts or made by influencers online can be confusing: some will tell you that a given food or pill is 'immune boosting', while others suggest that you need to 'reduce inflammation'.
There's just one problem 'inflammation' is the scientific term for what happens when your immune system springs into action. So which is it, then?
Should we be seeking ways to increase the power of our immune systems, or searching for things that will turn it down to help keep us in optimal health?
Biology is many things, but it's never straightforward.
Hence the somewhat frustrating answer to that question is 'it depends'. But we're increasingly understanding how our immune systems function, in sickness and in health, and how everything from lifestyle changes to cutting-edge medical treatments could improve our immunity as we age.
So, what are the key lessons we can learn to keep our cellular fighting force in good shape?
GOOD COP, BAD COP
AN IMMUNE SYSTEM THAT FIGHTS ONLY WHEN NEEDED IS GREAT. BUT AN IMMUNE SYSTEM THAT'S STUCK WAGING A CONSTANT WAR COULD BE DOING MORE HARM THAN GOOD
This story is from the November 2024 edition of BBC Science Focus.
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This story is from the November 2024 edition of BBC Science Focus.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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