Are you one of those people who try to avoid falling sick? If so, you might want to think again. According to a recent study by scientists at Boston University and Tufts Medical Center, falling sick may actually be good for you, especially if you want to live longer.
A new study reveals that fighting infections may be the key to longevity
The study reveals that the key to longevity lies in having experience in fighting infections. In fact, the immune profiles of centenarians show a “long history of exposure to and ability to recover from infections,” says Paola Sebastiani, a biostatistics specialist at Tufts University and the author of the study.
So, what does this mean for your health? Let’s take a closer look.
The Immune Profiles of Centenarians
During the study, scientists analyzed the DNA of seven people who lived for more than 100 years old. They found that all of them had one thing in common: they had fought off a lot of bugs and viruses throughout their lives. As a result, a large number of B cells, immune cells, and antibodies were found in their bodies, which were necessary to fight infection.
Scientists discover unique gene and immune profiles in centenarians
Additionally, scientists discovered a unique gene in these people that contributes to their ability to fight infections and build a strong immune system. However, they are confident that a strong immune system is also an important factor in longevity.
The benefits of falling sick and building a strong immune system
When you fall sick, your body goes into overdrive to fight off the infection. This process stimulates your immune system and strengthens it. In fact, scientists observed a dramatic change in the immune cells of people over 100 during the study. They found that B cells were in excess compared to CD4+ T cells, which suggests that their immune systems had acquired decades of hard-won experience fighting natural and environmental infections.
Furthermore, having a strong immune system not only helps you fight off infections but also allows you to recover quickly. This is especially important as you get older, as
your body’s ability to recover decreases.
Conclusion
Falling sick may not sound like a good thing, but it turns out that it may actually be beneficial for your health, especially if you want to live beyond 100 years old. By fighting off infections and building a strong immune system, you can increase your ability to recover and improve your overall health. So, don’t be afraid to get a little sick from time to time – it might just help you live a longer, healthier life.
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