Genetic susceptibility to the flu
The art and science of not getting sick
Tis the season to catch a virus - the flu, the common cold, whatever respiratory virus is going around.
Before I started digging into genetics research, I never realized that there were so many studies on ways to prevent or mitigate viral illnesses. I always thought: "It's a virus -- nothing can be done but hunker down in bed with a box of tissues."
It turns out that there are many solid research studies on natural supplements and physical interventions to prevent the flu and other respiratory viruses.
Genetic variants in various immune system genes also play a role in whether or not you're likely to get sick from the different strains of flu viruses.
Exposure to different pathogens has shaped our human genome. People with variants that help to fight off certain diseases were more likely to survive -- and thus pass on those genetic variants to their offspring.
I've updated and greatly expanded my article on the genes associated with flu susceptibility, as well as the Lifehacks section with research studies on various ways to prevent or fight the flu.
Happy Holidays,
Debbie
Flu Season: Genetics and Your Immune Response
Key takeaways:
~ Some people are more susceptible to different flu strains than others.
~ Check your genetic variants below to see which flu strains you are likely to be more or less susceptible to.
~ The Lifehacks section gives you the well-researched, natural options for fighting the flu — things that you may want to have on hand during flu season.
Zinc genes: The healing power of zinc
Key takeaways:
~ Zinc is an important cofactor in many cellular processes.
~ Low zinc can impact immune health, impair wound healing, cause skin issues, and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
~ Genetic variants impact how zinc is transported into your cells.
What I've been reading:
1.) Persistent cytomegalovirus infection in Alzheimer's plaque
Researchers have identified a subtype of Alzheimer's that affects more than 25% of patients. They found that there is persistent cytomegalovirus in the gut and the virus in the Alzheimer's plaques in the brain.
2.)Boosting neuronal activity-driven mitochondrial DNA transcription improves cognition in aged mice
This study looked at young and old mice and how the mitochondria work in the brain. The researchers found that there are mitochondrial transcription changes in old age that decrease function in the brain.
This review article explains the recent research on neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's. The research shows an excess of pro-inflammatory lipids, such as those derived from omega-6 arachidonic acids, and not enough of the pro-resolving lipid mediators from DHA and EPA (omega-3s, fish oil).
Related GL article: Specialized pro-resolving mediators and the resolution of inflammation as an active process