Is your body ready for the Covid-19 vaccine?

As we inch closer to nation-wide Covid-19 vaccination, more research is being done into the effectiveness of the vaccine. But focus should also be on how effective the vaccine will be within our bodies.

Unfortunately, as we age, our immune system becomes less proficient in receiving the full benefits of a vaccine. This becomes incredibly worrying when we recognize the majority of Covid-19 deaths have occurred in older adults. But, there are several steps you can take to ensure your body is primed for the vaccine, regardless of your age.

A very important new study published on December 15, 2020, explores the possible decreased effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in the elderly.

The most important findings from the study relate to how Spermidine, a naturally occurring polyamine compound, increases the rate of autophagy which in turn boosts the immune system. And a successful vaccination is reliant on a healthy and strong immune system. The findings of this study are critical when applied to the current Covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 death rates are highest among older adults because the immune system weakens as we age. But ensuring a successful Covid-19 vaccination is also reliant on a strong immune system; so, older adults need to be taking all necessary steps to prime their body for the vaccination.

One important component of ensuring a successful vaccination is the competency of T and B cells in your body. These two cells are what prevent you from becoming ill with the same virus twice. Both are white blood cells that “remember” the virus and whatever leftovers remain in your body. Unfortunately, as we age, these two cell types become less effective, making us more susceptible to not only illness but also to vaccines being ineffective. The process of T and B cells weakening is known as immunosenescence. When cells undergo this process, they become what is known as a senescent, or 'zombie', cells. Zombie cells are not functioning, but also are not dead. They not only take up space needed by healthy immune cells but also secrete toxins that damage other surrounding cells.

The immunosenescence of T and B cells can be slowed and even reversed with the assistance of spermidine. As we age, spermidine levels found naturally in our body decline, which may contribute to the increased risk of chronic diseases as we age. One of the main reasons a decrease in spermidine affects our continuing health is because of its role in a process called autophagy.

Nobel Prize-winning research from 2016 detailed the autophagy process and its many great benefits. Autophagy literally translates to “self eat”, which exactly is what happens in the process. It is a form of evolutionary self-preservation, in which the body removes unnecessary cells and recycles parts of them towards repair and cleaning. Cardiologist Dr. Luiza Petre explains it best as, “recycling and cleaning and at the same time, just like hitting a reset button to your body.” Autophagy has the power to break down zombie cells and supplement young and healthy T and B cells.

Autophagy declines with age and is associated with almost all of the age-related chronic complex diseases. Lifestyle factors also play a major role in increasing or decreasing autophagy. Fasting and exercise are two of the main influences that can increase autophagy while being overweight with a sedentary lifestyle will decrease autophagy. Spermidine is a caloric Restriction Mimetics (CRM). CRMs are compounds that can mimic fasting by activating molecular pathways that signal autophagy. The aforementioned study demonstrates the beneficial effects of taking Spermidine prophylactically to support autophagy and improve immune function.

We recommend Spermidine for almost all of our patients but especially for those who are over 60. But as with all supplements, sourcing is very important. The Spermidine that we support is through SpermidineLife. SpermidineLife is a science-based company in Austria that only sells Spermidine. Their advisory board consists of some of the best scientists and cell researchers who analyze and test the Spermidine product from SpermidineLife. This is the only bioactive spermidine product on the market that has been proven in studies to affect autophagy and the immune system. Buying Spermidine from amazon or other non-medical sellers does not contain pure spermidine in the right concentration and can be ineffective at best and potentially harmful at worst.

Email our office at thejohnsoncenter@gmail.com or call 276-235-3205 to learn more about introducing Spermidine into your daily supplements.