Avoiding COVID-19 Slows the Aging Process

Heliox: Where Evidence Meets Empathy

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In this episode, we journey into the uncharted territory of COVID-19's impact on our bodies, revealing startling research that connects the virus to accelerated biological aging. As we unpack this complex issue, we discover that COVID-19 is far more than a respiratory illness; it has profound implications for our aging process, affecting us at both cellular and systemic levels.

We begin by exploring how severe cases of COVID-19 can increase biological age by an average of 2.1 years for individuals over 50, linking this change to immune dysfunction triggered by the virus. But even mild infections are not spared; they contribute to telomere shortening, which undermines our cells' ability to repair and replicate effectively.

The discussion takes a poignant turn as we examine how this viral invasion triggers molecular changes in the brain, mimicking decades of natural aging and leading to cognitive decline, even among younger individuals who recover from severe cases.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Discover practical strategies to protect against premature aging, such as effective masking with N95 masks, staying current on vaccinations, maintaining good hygiene, and embracing a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, adequate sleep, and stress management are all vital components of safeguarding our well-being.
Sources:
[1] The impact of COVID-19 on “biological aging” - Frontiers https://frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1399676/full
[2] SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and the aging immune system - Nature https://nature.com/articles/s43587-021-001

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Curated, independent, moderated, timely, deep, gentle, evidenced-based, clinical & community information regarding COVID-19. Since 2017, it has focused on Covid since Feb 2020, with Multiple Stores per day, hence a large searchable base of stories to date. More than 4000 stories on COVID-19 alone. Hundreds of stories on Climate Change.
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