COVID-19 has caught everyone by surprise. Theres no vaccine or defense, other than the one offered by nature right now your immune system. The world is worried about their health. Knowing how your immune system works at a genetic level may give you some answers you need to improve your odds of recovering from or even avoiding being infected with a virus like COVID-19.
Dr. Yael Joffe, is the Chief Science Officer at 3X4 Genetics. She says COVID-19 can be damaging and may be fatal. The virus triggers the hosts immune system and causes the body to react. Understanding your genes can help. Heres what you need to know.
The problem is that this immune response, in certain cases, can overreact. In order to kill the virus, the immune system floods the body with its in-built cellular defense system. However, when left unchecked the response may cause damage to your own cells, and with COVID-19, particularly the cells in your respiratory system. This being said, these responses differ widely amongst individuals. Partly because of how their genes respond.
Knowing how prepared your immune system is to defend yourself against the virus is a must. Youre gifted with a complex immune system, or cellular defense mechanisms. It springs into action when a toxin or pathogen (viruses and bacteria) overwhelms the body. Dr. Joffe explains: The way these mechanisms act can differ from person-to-person because of your genes. By taking a genetic test you will then be able to tell how ready your immune system is, and whether your cellular defense processes work optimally.
Genes are switches. When a protein or enzyme is needed by the body, the gene is switched on to make that protein. This is true for how the cellular defense system responds.
A number of genes switch on when the virus is detected to mobilize against it and switch off when the virus is killed off and flushed out. The problem with a virus-like COVID-19 is that the response is so powerful, cellular defense mechanisms like inflammation and oxidative stress are turned up so high that the body can be flooded and overwhelmed by the defense mechanisms themselves, causing damage to the cells. How efficiently these on and off processes work differs between individuals. Its partly due to their own genetic makeup. Once you know how optimally your cellular defense processes are working, you can understand better how resilient your immune system is. Then you can take steps to address shortfall.
Dr. Christine Houghton, Founder and Chief Science Officer at Cell-Logic is an expert on the relationship of genes with nutrition. She says knowing more about your genes can help your healthcare practitioner make positive changes through nutrition to improve and optimize these metabolic processes.
While many will be reaching for mega doses of supplements, your system is unique, nuanced, and very complex. A single nutrient like vitamin C, by itself, is nothing compared to the many small, calculated tweaks required at a molecular level to have your immune system work at its prime.
Your bodys core cellular defense processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, detoxification, and methylation are required to fight off COVID-19. They are activated and switched off via genes. Their reaction time and how efficiently they respond can be adjusted using a personalized, wholesome, and healthy diet, together with targeted nutrigenomic supplements.
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master switch that is responsible for switching on (and off) hundreds of genes involved in cellular defense. It responds to the presence of any pro-oxidant molecule in the body that then activates many of the genes involved in the cellular defense processes. If it switches on quickly, you can flush the coronavirus out better. Although there are Ts and Cs to this process. Complications can occur with underlying chronic health conditions.
Houghton says that one way in which we can optimize the function of Nrf2s is by the ingestion of a nutrigenomically active molecule called Sulforaphane. The precursor to Sulforaphane is found abundantly in raw, calciferous vegetables such as broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. Unfortunately, its destroyed during cooking, and a quality broccoli sprout supplement may be required.
As there are many variables, it is important to consult a specialist who can help you prepare your immune system to be strong and resilient. This is especially true in times when there is an unchecked virus on the loose.
Can you prepare your immune system now? Dr. Joffe says the short answer is yes. You can start to optimize your immune system response for COVID-19-like threats through a tailored nutrigenomic dietary plan.
Make an appointment with an accredited nutrigenomic health practitioner and get a nutrigenetic test done to learn about the variability of your genes and your response to diet and lifestyle choices. This will inform them what cellular processes require the most attention. They will then recommend a nutrigenomic plan. They will also let you know what foods to eat to bolster your immune system to fight off a virus. This might also require some nutrigenomic supplements which mimic and optimize natural processes in your body.
Having a healthy immune system supported by an optimally functioning cellular defense mechanism could not only give you the edge in the fight against COVID-19, but will help you live a better, healthier, and longer life.
WATCH Longevitys Q&A with Dr Yael Joffe on genes and COVID-19. CLICK HERE.
As a dietitian who was both disappointed and disillusioned with the dietetics profession, Dr. Joffe was fortunate enough to start working in the field of nutrigenomics in 2000. She obtained my PhD from the University of Cape Town. She explored the genetics and nutrition of obesity in South African women. Today Dr. Joffe regularly speaks at conferences and workshops. She was also part of the team that built the first Nutrigenomic genetic test in 2000 in the United Kingdom. This was three years before the mapping of the human genome.
Dr. Joffe co-authored Its Not Just Your Genes, The SNP Journal, and Genes to Plate. The first gene-based recipe book. She has also published in peer-reviewed journals and been involved in the development and supervision of nutrigenomics courses around the world. Dr. Joffe is currently an Adjunct Professor, teaching Nutrigenomics at Rutgers University and at Maryland University of Integrative Health. She went on to establish Manuka Science in 2014, an online Translational Nutrigenomics training course for health practitioners. More recently she launched the 3X4 Clinic in Cape Town, and 3X4 Genetics. The company brings together expert nutrigenomic practitioners with the best genetic test and user experience. When not working to disrupt health care, she seeks equal parts discomfort and inspiration in open water swimming.
Dr. Christine Houghton Founder Director Senior Scientist Cell Logic has enjoyed a fulfilling and varied career in Nutritional Medicine spanning more than 30 years. Her work continues to stay at the forefront of this rapidly evolving profession. As a clinician, author, and educator, she is dedicated to promoting a model of health care that closely reflects diet and lifestyle choices. She holds a BSc in Biochemistry from The University of Queensland. As well as a Graduate Diploma in Human Nutrition from Deakin University in Victoria. Dr. Houghton is an Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Science at The University of Queensland.
Want to read more about building your immunity? Click here.
View post:
Is Your Immune System Ready to Fight COVID-19? The Answer is in Your Genes - Longevity LIVE
- 5 Healthy Ways to Live a Longer, Happier Life, According to Blue Zone Communities - Verywell Mind - April 24th, 2025
- Walking Just 11 Minutes Each Day Could Add Years To Your Life, Says Study. Here's Why It Works. - Women's Health - April 24th, 2025
- Healthspan and longevity: The rise of the geroprotective supplements - NutraIngredients-USA.com - April 24th, 2025
- Longevity expert says one exercise can add three years to your life - Surrey Live - April 24th, 2025
- Want To Live To 100? Heres What The Blue Zones Are Doing Right - Plant Based News - April 24th, 2025
- Longevity: Discover Our Exclusive Hotels Focusing on Gentle Rejuvenation - Falstaff - April 24th, 2025
- In-cosmetics Global 2025: Barentz targets biohacking and longevity trends with innovative formulations - www.personalcareinsights.com - April 24th, 2025
- Fitness, mindset, and nutrition: Unlocking longevity after 60 [PODCAST] - KevinMD.com - April 24th, 2025
- Lanserhof: The Worlds Most Advanced Longevity Clinicand Why It Matters - stupidDOPE - April 24th, 2025
- Fiber, gut health and longevity: The week in Well+Being - The Washington Post - April 24th, 2025
- Viewpoint: Longevity and sirtuinsLeonard Guarantes Elysium is raking in a fortune promoting supplements that most scientists believe are next to... - April 24th, 2025
- Link between regenerative, functional, and longevity medicine | Bloom - WFLA - April 24th, 2025
- Abu Dhabi takes the HELM in longevity - Longevity.Technology - April 24th, 2025
- Family Guy: Rich Appel and Alec Sulkin Talk Longevity, Collaboration, and Doing it By Hand - Animation World Network - April 24th, 2025
- Want to Live Longer? A New Study Says Making This Easy Swap Could Help - Food & Wine - April 24th, 2025
- Timeline, the Leading Longevity Biotech Brand, Launches First-of-Its-Kind Gummy Powered by Mitopure - Business Wire - April 24th, 2025
- 'I'm a longevity expert - most 100-year-olds have eaten one type of carbohydrate their entire lives' - GB News - April 24th, 2025
- Whats the secret of the longevity of crocodile relatives? - futurity.org - April 24th, 2025
- This 99-Year-Old Lifts Every Day and Swears by One Surprising Meal - Men's Fitness - April 24th, 2025
- 5 health tips from the exclusive (and hardcore) German longevity retreat - MSN - April 24th, 2025
- I feel more alive than ever at 47 here's my 4-step routine - hellomagazine.com - April 14th, 2025
- Longevity Fitness: How to slow down aging and strategies to stay fit after middle age - Times of India - April 14th, 2025
- Living Longer and Better: The Rise of Longevity Clinics. But When Will They Be Accessible to Everyone? - Men's Health - April 14th, 2025
- Recent work suggests a connection between verbal factors and a longer lifespan. - Psychology Today - April 14th, 2025
- Aging In Place: Longevity In A Time Of Stress - CapeNews.net - April 14th, 2025
- Florida Wins National Title, a 101-Year-Olds Longevity Tips: What to Know TODAY - TODAY.com - April 14th, 2025
- Retirement could be bad for your health, says wellness expert: 'Powered by purpose' - Fox News - April 14th, 2025
- 101-Year-Old Nutrition Professor Shares 7 Tips For A Long Life - TODAY.com - April 14th, 2025
- Longevity and precision medicine driving the agenda at Abu Dhabi Global Health Week - PR Newswire - April 14th, 2025
- Sadhguru's 13 tips on right food habits that promote health and longevity - Times of India - April 14th, 2025
- Aging, regeneration and whole-body rejuvenation in long-lived planarians - Nature - April 14th, 2025
- Longevity expert says world's oldest people in Blue Zones 'never' drink this - Surrey Live - April 14th, 2025
- Technologies developed to clean up orbit and enhance satellite longevity - Space Daily - April 14th, 2025
- Longevity in theatre requires talent and skill and lucky timing - The Stage - April 14th, 2025
- FIBO 2025 opens with new longevity and wellness hall and conference - spaopportunities.com - April 14th, 2025
- What the Tech: Increasing your iPhone's longevity - KTBS - April 14th, 2025
- P90X trainer Tony Horton is in the best shape of his life at 66. Here are his top longevity tips. - Business Insider - April 14th, 2025
- This daily supplement can work wonders for longevity: Here's how to take it - Times of India - April 14th, 2025
- Is this longevity diet a magic pill for chronic diseases? Why Lancets planetary health diet can work for you - The Indian Express - April 14th, 2025
- Im a doctor why the French diet beats the Mediterranean diet for obesity, longevity and colon cancer - New York Post - April 14th, 2025
- So "Longevity Tea" Is A Thing & It's Easier To Make Than You'd Expect - MindBodyGreen - April 5th, 2025
- Longevity & Hospitality Summit: Transforming the future of hospitality - spaopportunities.com - April 5th, 2025
- Department of Health Abu Dhabi hosts inaugural Healthy Longevity Innovation Forum - MSN - April 5th, 2025
- Fat's surprising role in aging and longevity - WFTV - April 5th, 2025
- The creator of Kind Bars is now investing in longevity. Here's what his firm is betting on. - Business Insider - April 5th, 2025
- Try these moves tied to longevity and independence later in life - MSN - April 5th, 2025
- Longevity Beauty Brand Oneskin Launches Hair - The Business of Fashion - April 5th, 2025
- The science of brain longevity: The Magtein success story - NutraIngredients.com - April 5th, 2025
- Public invited to attend free conference on longevity: Focus Forward Long Live West Virginia - WV News - April 5th, 2025
- Dr Greger Reveals The 10 Blue Zones Food Guidelines To Lengthen Your Life - Plant Based News - April 5th, 2025
- NAD Supplements Promise to Improve Energy, Metabolism, and Longevity. Heres How Experts Recommend You Use Them - GQ - April 5th, 2025
- Longevity and Hyaluronic Acid, discover the novelties of LipoTrue at booth 1A80 - Cosmetics Business - April 5th, 2025
- The Longevity Superfood That Could Extend Your Life - Plant Based News - April 5th, 2025
- Nutritionist-approved 5 fruits that improve longevity and heart health - Times of India - April 5th, 2025
- Exclusive | 100-year-old NYC cabaret singer shares her secret to longevity: Everything about her is an inspiration - New York Post - April 5th, 2025
- The No. 1 Tip You Need To Live To 100, From A Longevity Expert - MindBodyGreen - April 5th, 2025
- I asked scientists about the best exercise for longevity - and they all said the same 3 workouts - Woman & Home - April 5th, 2025
- Longevity Is A Rich Man's Game. But What Does It Cost The Rest Of Us? - HuffPost UK - April 5th, 2025
- 'Fasting and the Longevity Revolution' Trailer Has Edward Norton Narrating Nutrition Doc - MovieWeb - April 5th, 2025
- The convergence of health, wealth and longevity Services - Deloitte - April 5th, 2025
- Longevity researcher shares secrets of the worlds blue zones - Fox News - March 19th, 2025
- Kyrgyzstan on the Threshold of an Aging Population: Government Develops Active Longevity Program - Times of Central Asia - March 19th, 2025
- Longevity dividend - Association of Health Care Journalists - March 19th, 2025
- Longevity: The cosmetics industry must rethink its approach to ageing - Premium beauty - March 19th, 2025
- Implantable biosensors get major longevity boost with coating technology that inhibits biofouling - Phys.org - March 19th, 2025
- Longevity vs. Metabolism: How Birds Cheat the Aging Process - SciTechDaily - March 19th, 2025
- Bon appetit, Cristiano Ronaldo! 'Unusual' dish behind 40-year-old's remarkable longevity - and where it can be bought - revealed - Goal.com - March 19th, 2025
- Secrets of the Greenland Sharks Longevity Revealed in New Study - The Brighter Side of News - March 19th, 2025
- Anthony Michael Hall Says Longevity Was Always His Goal As The Breakfast Club And Weird Science Turn 40 - Decider - March 19th, 2025
- LB Elandon Roberts' words on NFL longevity will have Raiders fans very excited to have him - Raiders Wire - March 19th, 2025
- Studies Undoubtedly Show This Vitamin Is Linked To LongevityHere's Why - mindbodygreen - March 19th, 2025
- 'Helps slow down ageing': Nutritionist names longevity foods that improve 'heart health and brain function' - GB News - March 19th, 2025
- Men With High-Quality Sperm May Have a Longer Life Expectancy - Everyday Health - March 19th, 2025
- Dr. Vonda Wright Shares the Longevity Habits Youre Not Thinking About (and That You Can Start Doing Today) - Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper - March 19th, 2025
- 99-Year-Old Dick Van Dyke Eats This Surprising Food Combo Every Day - Taste of Home - March 19th, 2025
- Climbing This Many Stairs A Week May Lead To A Longer Life - HuffPost UK - March 19th, 2025
- How to live longer: Supercentenarian who lived to 117 ate her go-to snack 3 times a day - GB News - March 19th, 2025
- Saudi Arabia Expands Regulatory Role To Shape The Future Of Health And Longevity - Citeline News & Insights - March 19th, 2025
- Crypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Heres why - Cointelegraph - March 19th, 2025
- Unlocking the power of sleep: Longevity expert Dr Elie Abirached tells us how - Gulf Business - March 19th, 2025