Over the last two years, there’s been a rise in “immune-boosting” foods, supplements and trends. Today's guest, immunologist Dr. Jenna Macciochi, believes the immune system doesn’t need boosting. Instead, it should be balanced.

In this episode, Jenna - a Senior Lecturer in Immunology at the University of Sussex - reveals how your immune system is your body’s housekeeper. Jenna highlights the case for the ‘good bugs’ in our gut microbiome, the role of micronutrients and how our immune system isn’t born, but made.

We'll also tackle the age-old question: do we really need Vitamin C supplements?

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Timecodes:

01:21 Quickfire questions

04:51 What is the immune system?

06:49 How your immune system works

09:35 What are natural killer cells?

14:18 Is your immune system inherited?

16:42 The impact of sleep and stress

19:53 Cancer and immunotherapy

28:23 This can trigger inflammation

30:25 Are vitamin C supplements worth it?

31:30 Foods to empower your immune system

40:10 How inflammation affects your brain

44:10 New science of the impact of stress

48:52 Immunity and your body clock

📚 Get Jenna's book Your Blueprint for Strong Immunity

📚 Books by our ZOE Scientists:

The Food For Life Cookbook

Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati

Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector

Mentioned in today’s episode:

“Immune Boosting” in the time of COVID: selling immunity on Instagram (2020), published in Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology

Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold (2013), published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful (2014), published in Journal of Immunology Research

Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.

Episode transcripts are available here.

4 immunity tips for healthy ageing | Dr. Jenna Macciochi 01:02:08 Share

ZOE Science & Nutrition

Quickfire Questions with Dr. Jenna Macciochi

What Exactly is the Immune System?

How Does the Immune System Work?

What Are Natural Killer Cells?

Is Your Immune System Inherited or Made?

How Do Sleep and Stress Impact the Immune System?

Cancer and Immunotherapy: What’s the Connection?

What Can Trigger Inflammation in the Body?

Are Vitamin C Supplements Worth It?

Foods to Empower Your Immune System

How Does Inflammation Affect Your Brain?

New Science on the Impact of Stress

The Role of Your Body Clock in Immunity

Shownotes Transcript

4 immunity tips for healthy ageing | Dr. Jenna Macciochi