What Would Eating Less Do to Your Immune System?

About a year ago, I was gifted a small book called "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life."

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By Stephanie Cornwell, Editorial Assistant About a year ago, I was gifted a small book called "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life." It was a fun and easy read and is now a perfect coffee table book for my apartment. One of the nuggets of wisdom from the book is to eat until your stomach is about 80% full, rather than shoveling food in until it hurts.   This tip has helped with my digestion and energy levels, and studies are suggesting it may slow down the aging process. Today's Top Story Moderate Calorie Restriction May Strengthen the Immune System A team of researchers at Yale found that moderately limiting calorie intake could enhance the immune system—and it may even extend a person's lifespan.   Caloric restriction does not mean starvation; it is a sustained lifestyle where people consume less macronutrient intake–carbs, proteins, and fats– while still getting enough micronutrients–vitamins and minerals–to meet their nutritional needs.   The findings show that 14 % caloric reduction may benefit the thymus gland, an organ in the chest responsible for creating a type of white blood cell that helps fight off infections. This is one of the fastest-aging organs, making it relevant in longevity studies.   It's important to note that the quality of the participants' diet and what they ate before restricting their calories were not considered in this study. More research needs to examine the risk and benefits of restricting calories. Know More Limiting calories is often associated with weight loss, but weight loss did not contribute to the association between caloric restriction and biological aging. Feel Better Restricting your caloric intake and intermittent fasting should be done with caution; it is not for everyone. You may want to consult with a nutritionist or your healthcare provider to create a plan that fits your nutritional goals and to ensure that you are not undereating. READ MORE Study: Social Media Didn't Cause Teens' Pandemic Stress Social anxiety, depression, and loneliness in young people increased during the pandemic, and the blame has often been put on social media. But a new study shows that while problematic social technology behaviors have increased in teens during the pandemic, higher use was not related to decreased well-being. Increased stress among young people seems to be more complicated than just social media usage. In fact, social media provided a community where people could not have in-person interactions. READ MORE Do Air Purifiers Actually Work? Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, and many pollutants and allergens exist in the home. Air purifiers, devices that filter air quality, help people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. How they work depends on the brand, but they aim to filter particles and recirculate the air in the room. Air purifiers work best with other cleaning techniques like vacuuming, mopping, and dusting. READ MORE   In an interview with Verywell, Paula Zimbrean, MD, speaks on the importance of not struggling in silence if your mental health is suffering. [If] symptoms persist—for example, unshakable sadness and poor concentration, lack of interest and motivation—mental health help should be sought. The expansion of telemedicine made treatment more available and more convenient in many parts of the country. Paula Zimbrean, MD Yale Medicine psychiatrist and associate professor at Yale School of Medicine     Keep Reading   ■ The Crucial Difference Between Cheesy and Corny. The Atlantic     ■ Are Ice-Cold Showers Good for You? I Tried It for Two Months. The Washington Post     ■ If Putting Yourself First Feels Weird, Read This. Self More From Verywell I Tried Quitting Social Media. It Didn't Revolutionize My Health READ MORE Intermittent Fasting and Cancer READ MORE The 7 Best Air Purifiers for Allergies of 2022 READ MORE   How'd we do? If you have any feedback, send us a note at   feedback@verywell.com.       You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Verywell Health newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here.   A DOTDASH MEREDITH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2022 verywellhealth.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy