4 immunity tips for healthy ageing | Dr. Jenna Macciochi

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 an age-old question: do we really need Vitamin C supplements to stave off a common cold?

*Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

Timecodes:
00:00 Everything you thought you knew about immunity is wrong
01:53 Quickfire questions
05:27 What is your immune system?
08:23 What does the immune system do?
11:11 What are natural killer cells?
16:03 Is your immune system inherited?
17:55 The impact of sleep and stress
21:12 Cancer and immunotherapy
25:15 The 1 molecule your immune system loves
28:38 Does immune boosting work?
32:20 Should you take vitamin C?
34:53 Foods to build strong immunity
39:34 Vital role of your gut barrier
41:10 Immunity and inflammation
43:30 How good gut health fights inflammation
46:59 The new science on stress
52:41 Immunity and your body clock

Books by our ZOE Scientists:

Mentioned in today's episode:

[MrEroshan]

Retired biochemist here, everything she said is correct. If you want to see an overactive immune system in action look at the typical allergic person.

[floatingisland]

Great podcast today. Also just want to say that I think Jonathan always gives good summaries. There's no other podcast I listen to where that happens.

[robynanna]

This podcast was particularly amazing! But I have to agree that the new multiple ad interruptions is really irritating.

[alisonhuntergordon]

I’m saddened also that the whole Zoe set-up has now become so commercialised - I’m inundated with sales emails trying to get me to become part of the Zoe programme. I’m a pensioner and cannot possibly afford the amount of money it would cost. I would love to be able to be part of it having been an early adopter of the Covid information App but now feel alienated by what looks like out and out monetisation.

[elizabethlemoine]

Dr. Jenna Macciochi - wonderfully articulate. Thank you for this podcast.

[AndreaMCNAB]

Nurse here and I love podcasts like this.

[thedisappearingboss]

What happened to the no adverts? They are not only annoying, every one of them undermines the Zoe message. Otherwise, as always informative and fascinating.

[phil]

Why is long covid never mentioned in relation to the immune system and micro biome. The links are overwhelming, so please could this subject become a regular question point so we may gain insight from cutting edge professionals? Thank you

[jaybee]

Dr Jenna Macciochi - what a lovely lady

[valeriefisher]

Why are we suddenly getting lots of ads. 4 so far and I’ve only watched 20 minutes. We didn’t used to get ads at all and it was great, Now it’s a real put off

[SarahLawrence-sr]

I listen to every podcast…. I have learnt so much. I love the quick start questions and I find the summing up at the end particularly helpful

[Vivian-D]

Great interview! I love all your podcasts. I learn so much every time. Thank you!

[PhilWhelanNow]

Most complex topic you could have Zoe cover? Excellent presentation, thank you. All the Xmas ads are a bit off putting, though some of Dr Macciochi’s comments about dealing with winter bugs & stress contrasted well with those.

[tD-ooox]

Excellent episode thank you. High quality content, complicated information explained really well. The likes of Dr Macciochi's knowledge and experience is why I watch. The likes of expensive olive oil seller, time restricted eating 'influencer' and Davina McCall are not. Please focus on high quality podcasts such as this.

[marybauer]

Love Zoe. Would to subscribe but membership prohibitive for a retiree.. Will continue to view anything sent out to the public cause as a nurse practitioner can continue to provide information anytime I am asked... which occurs regularly. thank you for your masterful presentations

[annieyu]

What’s with all the ads on YouTube, all of a sudden? Previous Zoe podcasts haven’t been peppered with the wretched things.

[ChrisSmith-yvte]

Excellent podcast. Very clear and articulate presentation. I have no problem with the adverts and commercialisation of Zoe. If this creates value for Zoe and helps get more of this scientific information out to the public then great

[sgayles]

Excellent podcast! Thanks so much for having Dr. Machocci(Sp?) on the podcast! 🥳⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Neilhuny]

Oh my, this is a "must watch"!
Having proudly told people I haven't had a sever cold or flu for more than 40 years, other than Covid-19 3 or 4 years back, I got a far worse bout of Covid 3 weeks ago, got through that, and now have one of the heaviest colds I've ever had! Woe is me, and all that.

[anthonygordon]

Great Podcast. Always love the Zoe podcasts. Too many ads unfortunately but the quality of information from these VLOGs is outstanding. Cheers