Genetic variants and the recovery process.
Are you one of the lucky ones who seldom fall sick? And even if you sometimes succumb, do you always find yourself recovering quickly? In fact, you often bounce back into your daily routine immediately without needing to take further time off to recuperate and recover. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you may know some people who tend to fall sick all the time. They take ages to recover and more often than not, they are prone to suffering a relapse and falling sick again and again.
While bacteria, viruses or germs may sometimes win, it is crucial to recognise the difference between losing an occasional battle as opposed to having to suffer recurrent infections on a frequent basis. Many human infections are caused by germs, bacteria or viruses and there are many reasons why some of us may find it tougher to clear infections and recover quickly once a virus, bacteria or germs strike.
Some individuals with primary immunodeficiency are born with defective immune defences, causing their immune system to work poorly, leaving them more susceptible to germs, bacteria and viruses that can cause infections, while recurrent infections may be a sign of an abnormal PTPN22 genetic variant.
PTPN22 is a protein that regulates the development and functions of T cells and B cells. It helps the body’s immune function by supressing inflammation and fighting bacterial infection.
Even though experts have no conclusive evidence of the precise mechanisms of PTPN22 and how it affects our immune system, individuals with this risk variants are linked to having higher infection rates, a tougher time clearing infections and inflammation post-infection.
To recognise the role of the PTPN22 genetic variant in our immune system, a DNA test can help us understand how our body reacts to infections and the factors affecting our immune system as a whole.
Genes of Interest and Recommendations
A DNA test will cover the gene of interest for PTPN22 and immunity, which affects the responsiveness of T and B cell receptors.
Individuals with abnormal PTPN22 gene variants can boost their overall health by adopting a diet filled with plenty of vegetables and fruits, complemented by drinking minimally 2 litres of water daily.
Besides that, there are a number of things you can also do to help ease symptoms and speed up your recovery, such as consuming meal supplements.
One beneficial supplement is Zinc, a trace element and an essential micronutrient for humans. Zinc helps to maintain our general health in terms of improved immunity, hormone and regeneration capabilities as well as anti-inflammatory benefits such as reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6. Recommended dosages range from 10 – 50mg per day to stop virus replication and zinc deficiency may lead to a loss of taste or appetite, impaired vision, a lack of energy and our body losing its ability to heal wounds.
Zinc can be found in several food groups with different concentration and bioavailability. Bioavailability depends on our diet composition to optimise zinc absorption. Foods with the highest zinc concentration include red meat, certain shellfish, and legumes. Elken Gummy C, which is enriched with both Vitamin C and Zinc in an easy-to-chew gummy, is a good supplement source to support the body’s daily requirements.
We can also increase intracellular Zinc with Quercetin, a flavonoid which is found in various foods such as raw onions, celery, green tea, peppers and apples. Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol found in green tea, has also been shown to transport Zinc across the plasma membrane.
A good supplement source of Quercetin, is Elken XENIJI which contains 65 types of fruits and vegetables that have been broken down through a complete fermentation process over 1,200 days. Elken XENIJI’s broad spectrum of bioactive micro-fine nutrients and enzyme catalyst promotes efficient nutrient absorption to boost catalytic functions so as to enhance overall metabolism for efficient energy production and utilisation, and a healthy gut system.
Bovine Colostrum collected during the first calf milking, can strengthen our immune system and help our body fight disease-causing antigens. Elken ELG6 is a rich source of immunoglobulins containing more than 70 beneficial active ingredients including 31 types of immune factors, 9 types of growth factors and 37 types of other beneficial ingredients to help activate more than 50 processes in the body, ranging from immunity to regeneration and cell growth.
Mycelium Immuno Modulator Extract (MIME) that is extracted from the roots of the Basidiomycota “Super Mushroom” helps to regulate the immune system. Consuming Elken Elfahex which contains MIME, will stimulate our immune responses against infections and help us to recover faster.