DR ASHA PEMBERTON

teenhealth.tt@gmail.com

With all the ongoing conversations surrounding infectious diseases, return to physical school and increasing in-person social activities, it is important to take time to understand how the immune system works, and how adolescents can holistically improve their immune functioning. Protection against covid19 illness is best afforded through vaccination. In addition, there is much that young people should consistently do to ensure their optimal wellness.

How does the immune system work?

When the body senses the invasion of foreign particles (called antigens), the immune system works to recognise these antigens and dispose of them before they cause illness. Specific white blood cells called B lymphocytes are triggered to make antibodies. These proteins lock onto specific antigens and denature them, preventing their ill effects. Portions of these antibodies remain in the body, as well as the white blood cells that made them. Should future encounters with these antigens occur, the body is primed and ready to defend itself. In addition to these antibody forming cells, there are other types of white blood cells called T cells that work within larger immune processes. Some of them directly destroy invading organisms. Others lead to the production of other proteins which work together to prevent overwhelming illness. All of these processes, require adequate nutrition and energy in order to work optimally.

Adolescent growth and development

The teen years are challenging physically, emotionally and socially. The sudden increase in hormones, rapid physical changes and the development of reproductive organs increase stress on the body, using up vitamins, minerals and energy. This can leave teenagers particularly vulnerable to infections as the immune system struggles to keep up. Several interconnecting factors work together to support immunity

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Sleep

Teenagers have a strained relationship with sleep - either refusing to get out of bed in the morning or refusing to go to bed at a reasonable time at night. Particularly during these months of online education, the sleep patterns of many teenagers can best be described as erratic. The reason that teenagers sleep so much is because their bodies really need it - in fact, teenagers should be getting at least nine hours of quality sleep a night and sometimes even require ten. Although the natural sleep cycles of teens are slightly different to adults, causing them to naturally want to stay up later, a routine of proper sleep environment are critical to restful sleep and balanced immunity.

Nutrition

Nutrition is integral to an optimally functioning immune system. Activity at the cellular level, antibody production and response to infection all require protein-rich products, which in turn require sources derived through diet. Nutrition in adolescence can be challenging as parents have less and less control