Why does your brain’s immune system matter? It’s because it can either destroy or save your brain. Hence, why the book I mention below is called the Angel and the Assassin.
When I was first looking to understand this concept, it helped me to consider the similarity with the body’s immune cells, which can either be helpful or harmful. Think of autoimmune diseases for example.
Unraveling the mystery of the brain’s immune cells could solve a range of conditions including dementia and depression. Modulo Bio (a YouRise portfolio company) is using AI to understand the brain’s immune cells and in the process, solve chronic neurological conditions. It’s a fast-growing company, and just reply if you want more info on Modulo Bio.
Learning more about the brain’s immune cells
The brain’s immune cells are called microglia. They act as its primary defense mechanism against infection and injury. Below is a brief bullet-point summary, but if you want to dive deeper into this mystery of the brain’s immune cells, I recommend the book titled The Angel and Assassin: The Tiny Brain Cells that Changed Medicine
Key points about brain immune cells:
- Microglia: Found directly within the brain tissue, these are the main immune cells. Other secondary immune cells are also situated around the brain.
- Brain-blood barrier: As you may have heard, the brain is protected by a barrier that limits the entry of immune cells from the bloodstream, but certain immune cells can still access the brain under specific conditions.
How to Keep Your Brain’s Immune Cells Happy and Healthy
Your brain’s immune cells, called microglia, are like tiny guardians, patrolling and protecting your brain around the clock. But how do you make sure these little heroes stay in tip-top shape? Here’s a fun guide to keeping your microglia happy. You may already know some of the tips below, but what’s new is in the context of microglia – and how they keep your brain sharp and healthy.
1. Power Up with a Healthy Diet
Yes, the nutrition that helps your body also helps your brain. Your microglia love to feast on all the good stuff from a nutritious diet. Fruits, veggies, and healthy fats aren’t just great for you—they help keep your microglia youthful and in a calm, anti-inflammatory mood. It’s like serving them the perfect brain-boosting smoothie every day!
2. Keep Your Gut Bugs Happy
Believe it or not, your brain and gut are besties, connected through the vagus nerve. The bacteria living in your gut have a huge impact on how your brain functions. When your gut flora is thriving, it helps develop and maintain your microglia, making sure they stay in superhero mode, protecting your brain.
3. Dodge the Dangers: Alcohol and Smoking
Turns out, alcohol and cigarettes are like kryptonite to your microglia. Alcohol damages the brain by triggering the microglia’s inflammatory alarm system. Smoking? Same story. It releases a nasty compound that gets your microglia all fired up—literally. If you want to keep your brain’s protectors calm and collected, it’s best to steer clear of these habits.
4. Sleep Like a Champ
Your microglia don’t sleep, but they work their magic while you do. As you drift off into dreamland, your microglia are busy cleaning up the brain and improving memory. But miss out on sleep, and they can shift into their cranky, inflammatory state, which is bad news for brain health. So, give them the rest they need by getting a good night’s sleep!
5. Keep Your Mind at Peace
Stress is like a silent signal that flips your microglia into their “inflamed” mode, which is often seen in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Stress, anxiety, and even depression can cause your microglia to act out, sometimes leading to mental health challenges that can precede more serious neurodegenerative issues. The good news? Many mental health treatments have anti-inflammatory effects, and antidepressants have been found to directly calm your microglia.
6. Get Moving!
Exercise is like a workout for your microglia, too! When you get your body moving, these immune cells shift into their protective form, keeping your brain healthier for longer. Even exercising your brain—through learning or brain games—trains your microglia to fend off neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s. So, whether it’s a jog in the park or a Sudoku puzzle, your microglia will thank you!
Yes, you may have heard these tips before — but I bet you didn’t realize they affect whether your microglia become angels or assassins. While there’s still so much to discover about microglia, we do know they play a critical role in brain health. Treat them well, and they’ll keep your brain in peak condition, helping you live your sharpest life.
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