One tiny organ may hold the key to healthy aging

A small organ located in your chest might be key to determining your long-term health as well as your response to cancer treatment.

Although long considered irrelevant after childhood, recent studies found that people with healthy thymuses were 50% less likely to die from any cause than those with poorer thymic health. They were also less likely to develop lung cancer or die from cardiovascular disease.

A second study, published in the same issue of Nature, also found that cancer patients receiving immunotherapy responded better to treatment and had a lower risk of cancer progression when they had healthy thymuses. Together, these studies suggest that thymic health plays a more important role in long-term health than originally thought.

“This new research is extremely helpful when we look at healthy aging and chronic disease risk,” says Dr. Corey Shamah, an oncologist at Aurora Health Care. “We can now add thymic health to our general understanding around protecting the immune system as we age.”

While more research is needed, these findings may eventually help guide treatment decisions and assess a patient’s risk for developing a chronic condition.

Boosting your thymic health

The thymus acts as a training ground for T cells, teaching them how to recognize and respond to infections and other threats to the body.

Fortunately, many of the same habits that support overall health may also support thymic health:

• Focus on foods with zinc, vitamin D and selenium: These vitamins and minerals support hormone production, boost your immune system and protect your thymus from damage. Foods high in these vitamins and minerals include beans, whole grains, eggs, dairy and chicken.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the thymus and weaken your immune system over time. Quitting helps reduce inflammation and supports your overall health.
• Get good sleep: Quality sleep gives your body time to repair itself and strengthens your immune system. Aim for seven to eight hours a night.
• Prioritize regular exercise: Regular exercise supports your overall health, reduces inflammation and strengthens your immune system.
• Manage your stress: Stress can weaken your immune system and may make you more susceptible to illness over time. Consider ways to help reduce stress to keep your body healthy.

“There’s a lot about aging that’s out of our control,” says Dr. Shamah. “Focusing on building long-term healthy habits as well as focusing on habits that can boost your immune system is the best way to set yourself up for a healthy aging process and preventing chronic diseases.”

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