Aging is a natural and inevitable phase of the life process. While genetic factors are significant in aging, environmental factors have a greater impact. Aging begins at birth and accelerates after the age of 30. Therefore, how we live from a young age determines how we will age. A healthy life and aging is a choice and commitment. Although it is not possible to stop aging for now, small touches to life can help ensure that our biological age remains behind our chronological age.
We definitely need a strong immune system for healthy aging. The immune system is a complex system composed of a series of organs, tissues, cell types, and molecules dispersed throughout the body. It is responsible for protecting the body against any foreign substances and organisms that may threaten body integrity and health. Therefore, diseases occur when the immune system is suppressed or malfunctions for any reason. We need to help our bodies to protect against diseases.
What Should We Do for the Regular Functioning of the Immune System?
- Exercise regularly
- Stay away from harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol
- Do not neglect water consumption
- Pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene
- Learn to cope with stress
- Give importance to adequate and quality sleep
- Eat regularly and healthily
- Take antioxidant support
What is the Impact of Obesity on the Immune System?
Obesity and its accompanying conditions are associated with impaired immune and inflammatory responses. Energy restriction, without causing malnutrition, prevents processes that accelerate aging, such as oxidative damage and insulin resistance. Mediterranean Diet is recommended for the prevention of many health problems, including obesity and diabetes, especially cardiovascular diseases. The Mediterranean Diet includes foods such as whole grains, vegetables, low glycemic index fruits, legumes, nuts, olive oil, fish, etc.
Is Gut Microbiota Important for Human Health?
90% of the bacteria in the human body are located in the intestines. 80% of immune system cells are also in the intestines. Therefore, it is important to take good care of our intestines for the regular functioning of our immune system. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in our intestines. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria in our intestines that maintain the health of our digestive and immune systems. Probiotics and prebiotics can be taken through food or as supplements.
What Vitamins and Minerals Are Important for the Functioning of the Immune System?
- Vitamin A
- B group vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Zinc
What is an Antioxidant? What Does It Do?
Every cell that sustains life produces harmful by-products while generating energy from food. These by-products are reactive oxygen radicals. Harmful external factors (heavy metals, food additives, food colorings, household cleaning products, etc.) also increase the production of these reactive oxygen radicals. Diseases develop if harmful substances cannot be neutralized in the body. Molecules that fight these harmful substances are called antioxidants.
What Does Glutathione, the Most Important Antioxidant in the Body, Do?
Glutathione is a molecule that collects and neutralizes all bad molecules in the body and is produced in the body. However, as age progresses and due to internal and external factors (environmental), the amount of Glutathione decreases. As the amount of Glutathione decreases, harmful substances accumulate, and serious problems arise in the immune system.
Can Glutathione Be Taken As a Supplement?
It is recommended to take Glutathione supplements externally for a strong immune system and healthy aging, as Glutathione decreases with aging and environmental factors. The most effective way to take Glutathione into the body and use it actively is through intravenous administration. Each session takes about 15 minutes. The intervals for taking supplements are determined according to the patient's needs. In addition to intravenous administration, it is also used in the field of mesotherapy to rejuvenate the skin.
What Are the Benefits of Glutathione?
- Strengthens the immune system
- Facilitates the treatment of diseases where the immune system works incorrectly or insufficiently (such as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Graves' Disease, Psoriasis, Shingles, Rheumatological Diseases, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Celiac Disease)
- Reduces the harmful effects of diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) and insulin resistance
- Lowers cholesterol levels, facilitates the treatment of liver fat
- Protects cardiovascular health
- Reduces the harmful effects of smoking and alcohol
- Increases mental activity, strengthens memory
- Improves sleep quality
- Beautifies the skin, reduces wrinkles, used in the treatment of skin spots, Psoriasis, and Shingles
- Facilitates the treatment of allergic diseases and Asthma
- Slows down the aging process
- Reduces chronic pain, increases muscle performance (facilitates treatment in rheumatic diseases, fibromyalgia)
What is Alpha Lipoic Acid? What Does It Do?
Alpha Lipoic Acid is one of the important antioxidant molecules in our body. In addition to its own antioxidant properties, it also increases the amount of Glutathione, the most important antioxidant in our body. Additionally;
- Strengthens the immune system
- Removes oxidative damage in nerves and improves nerve functions (used in the treatment of diabetic and other neuropathies)
- Strengthens memory, increases mental activity
- Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, helps control diabetes and reduce liver fat
- Protects cardiovascular health
- Delays skin aging
What Is the Importance of Vitamin C in Our Body?
Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, is not produced or stored by the body. Therefore, it needs to be taken regularly as a supplement. It can be taken intravenously and orally. The most effective way is intravenously. Vitamin C;
- Is an important antioxidant and is responsible for the functioning of the immune system
- Is involved in collagen synthesis and skin healing
- Increases the absorption of iron and selenium
- Helps balance cholesterol levels
- Strengthens memory
- Supports the treatment of Gout by reducing uric acid levels in the blood
What Is the Importance of Vitamin D in Our Body?
Vitamin D is a hormone precursor molecule produced in the skin upon contact with sunlight. In addition to its effects on bone metabolism, the anti-inflammatory and immune system effects of Vitamin D are very important. It prevents osteoporosis, reduces the risk of fracture development, and is important in blood calcium balance. Vitamin D has been observed to reduce the risk of diabetes development, protect cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer development.
What Is the Importance of Zinc in Our Body?
Zinc is an essential mineral necessary for the body. It is involved in cellular metabolism and is required for the activity of various enzymes. It plays a role in the functioning of the immune system, wound healing, and protein and DNA synthesis. It supports growth and development during childhood and adolescence. Zinc deficiency generally causes growth and developmental delays, loss of appetite, and loss of immune system functions. Hair loss, mental fatigue, and eye and skin lesions are also results of zinc deficiency.
Are There Other Applications to Prevent Skin Aging?
It is possible to look younger and prevent the formation of new wrinkles with the application of Botulinum toxin (botox). Additionally, we can easily provide the necessary vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants that our skin needs through dermapen and mesotherapy, PRP applications. A healthy lifestyle and diet, along with regular medical check-ups, can replace deficiencies and prevent diseases. Your genetics are not your destiny.
As I mentioned at the beginning, it is currently not possible to completely stop aging, but having a better appearance and being healthier compared to your age is your choice. When you make small touches to your life, you will see the change. Don't give up on yourself.
Spc. Dr. Berna GÜZEL
Internal Medicine Specialist
