Smoking Alters Your Immune System for Years After You Quit
Feb 16, 2024
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The podcast discusses the long-lasting effects of smoking on the immune system, including increased inflammation and changes in DNA. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy immune response and quitting smoking for optimal immune function.
Smoking alters the immune system and can have long-lasting effects even after quitting.
Smoking-related changes in the immune system may impact vaccine efficacy and individuals' immunological age.
Deep dives
Smoking has a lingering effect on the immune system
A study from the Institut Basture in Paris reveals that smoking alters the immune system even long after quitting. The immune system's response to infection is influenced by factors like genetics, age, environment, and lifestyle. The study found that cigarette smokers had high levels of inflammation in their blood, indicating an overactive immune response. Even ex-smokers showed persistent changes in the immune system years after quitting. The study suggests that smoking-related epigenetic changes may be difficult to reverse, and individuals may carry traces of their past smoking habits for an extended period.
Implications for vaccine delivery and immune health
The long-term effects of smoking on the immune system may have important implications for vaccine delivery. As the immune system ages, inflammation increases, which affects vaccine efficacy. Considering the degree of change to the immune system caused by smoking, researchers speculate that smoking could add years to an individual's immunological age. The study highlights the need to consider environmental factors like smoking when planning vaccine timing and formulations. Additionally, maintaining a healthy immune system through a varied, minimally processed diet, exercise, stress reduction, and adequate sleep is essential for overall health.
By switching genes on and off, cigarettes have a long-lasting effect on immunity, and appear to shape your immune system just as much as aging. Thanks for listening to WIRED. Talk to you next time for more stories from WIRED.com and read this story here.