LEVELS – A Whole New Level #285 - Immune health explained: Inflammation, white blood cells, and resilience | Dr. Sharon Bergquist & Mike Haney
Nov 6, 2025
Dr. Sharon Bergquist, a physician-scientist and director at Emory’s Healthy Aging Center, dives into the complex interplay between immune health and metabolic function. She explains the dual nature of inflammation, discussing how it can both protect and harm. The conversation highlights the significance of white blood cells in assessing immunity and stress levels. Dr. Bergquist shares practical tips to cultivate immune resilience through diet, exercise, and lifestyle tweaks, emphasizing the importance of regulating rather than boosting the immune system.
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Immune System Is Bodywide
- The immune system is a bodywide, multi-layered adaptation system spanning barriers, cells, and tissues.
- Every point of contact with the environment (skin, gut, respiratory tract) is part of immunity.
Inflammation Is A Immune Tool
- Inflammation is a tool the immune system uses to respond to injury or infection.
- Acute inflammation resolves, while chronic low-grade inflammation is systemic and not visibly obvious.
Chronic Inflammation Hides In Plain Sight
- Chronic inflammation can be driven by ongoing triggers like infection or by lifestyle factors without infection.
- People can feel fine while systemic low-grade inflammation quietly creates collateral damage.
