A new study suggests that chronic psychological stress may accelerate immune aging by disrupting communication between the brain, gut, and bone marrow. In mice, researchers found that stress reduced activity in key brain regions, altered the gut microbiome by lowering beneficial Lactobacillus reuteri bacteria, and decreased levels of spermidine, a compound important for cellular health. These changes impaired blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow and reduced immune cell production, making the immune system resemble that of an older individual. While the findings need confirmation in humans, they highlight the importance of stress management and gut health in supporting healthy immune function and aging.
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