By the doctor Isabelle Meurgey and the doctor Alain Butnaru
In a previous article, we talked about Juvenology®, a new concept that combines health and beauty. One of the essential components for optimum health and aging well is maintaining the efficiency of one’s immune system throughout one’s lifetime.
Our immune system – passed down through millions of years of evolution – is a set of cells, tissues and organs whose main role is to defend our body from all external aggressions. Our immune system is sensitive at all stages of our life and its sensitivity reduces with age, leaving us more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections and even cancers.
Three types of organisation have been identified:
• The first level is made up of natural barriers such as the skin and the intestinal and bronchial mucous membranes.
• The second level is innate immunity, more specifically represented by various immune cells (macrophages, leucocytes, NK cells, etc.).
• The third layer is specific, adaptive immunity (T and B lymphocytes).
This whole immune response is controlled by the cytokines for an adequate response that is neither too weak nor too strong.
Our immune system, as we have just said, is very complex, however a number of scientific studies have shown that it can be boosted if we apply the rules of epigenetics: a good quality, varied and preferably organic diet with very few processed foods; maintaining the intestinal barrier; regular detoxification; management of chronic stress; physical exercise, etc. We could write a whole article about any one of these!
A quick way to strengthen our immune system is by taking suitable micro-nutritional supplements.
Four nutrients should be taken as a priority:
Vitamin D
This influences more than 200 genes, acts upon DNA repair and stimulates the expression and secretion of antimicrobial peptides by the monocytes/macrophages and the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The recommended daily dose is 2,000UI (the minimum amount that is often required for achieving the correct blood levels of 50-60ng/ml).
Vitamin C
Its powerful antioxidant action helps reinforce the cells’ natural defences. Stored in the white blood cells, it improves their ability to destroy germs and also promotes the apoptosis of any cells that are too old and dysfunctional. Since we are unable to produce it within our body, we need an external supply. To receive an effective dose, a liposomal supplement of 1 to 2 grammes per day is recommended.
Magnesium
This is involved in more than 300 biochemical and enzymatic reactions in our body, including immunoglobin synthesis and lymphocyte development. It is needed to stabilise the vitamin D inside our cells. We are all deficient in magnesium, so a daily supplement of between 200 and 300mg, taken over the course of the day in the form of glycerophosphate or bisglycinate for better absorption, is required.
Zinc
This is an essential trace element that has two main modes of action in the anti-viral response: it activates the T lymphocytes and inhibits viral replication in the body. The recommended daily dose of 15mg may be doubled or tripled during an epidemic.
In addition to these basic supplements, you can strengthen your immune system with plants such as echinacea, eleutherococcus, essential oils (ravintsara, tea tree) and bee products such as propolis.
If you adopt the majority of these tips on a daily basis, your immune system will become as efficient as it can be and will be able to protect you against infections as well as fighting aging.
By the doctor Isabelle Meurgey and the doctor Alain Butnaru
Doctor Isabelle Meurgey
Doctor of anti-aging and cosmetic medicine. Graduate of the Rouen medical faculty. Has specialised in preventative and performance medicine since 1997. Permanent member of the French Society of Aesthetic Medicine. Diplomas in Micronutrition, Auriculotherapy, Hypnosis.
More information on docteurisabellemeurgey.com
Doctor Alain Butnaru
Graduate of the Paris Medical Faculty.
Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine since 1985.
Permanent member of the French Society of Aesthetic Medicine. Degrees in Morphological and Anti-Aging Medicine, Micronutrition, Auriculotherapy and Hypnosis.
More information on docteuralainbutnaru.com
