The COVID-19 pandemic may be over, but our immune systems are still feeling the impact. After years of battling constant viral threats, from COVID-19 to seasonal flu and other infections, our body’s defense system is exhausted. Many people continue to experience lingering inflammation, frequent illnesses, and slower recovery times. This extended state of immune stress has compromised us further to chronic illness, including autoimmune diseases and even neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. So why is our immune system still in trouble? And how do we give it its power back? Understanding immune exhaustion is the beginning of rebuilding our body's natural immunity.

A weakened immune system makes people more susceptible to disease, mental illnesses, and even sleep disorders. Now, new research indicates that immune system depletion may play an important role in the onset of Parkinson's disease, a degenerative neurologic disorder that compromises movement and cognition.

Role of Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease

Dysfunctional immune response is a leading cause of long-standing inflammation within the body, that has been found to contribute towards a multitude of conditions, including cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

As people age, their immune system naturally becomes less effective. This deterioration, referred to as immune exhaustion, may be a key contributor to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Rebecca Wallings, a Parkinson’s Foundation Launch Award grant recipient and senior postdoctoral fellow at the University of Florida, believes that an accumulation of exhausted immune cells could be driving neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s patients.

How a Tired Immune System Might Affect Parkinson's?

Parkinson's disease is most commonly linked with the degeneration and loss of dopaminergic neurons—motor nerve cells that produce dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter for movement. While researchers have long suspected inflammation is involved in this neurodegeneration, the mechanisms are not yet well understood.

Wallings' study is on immune cell exhaustion, a process by which aging immune cells fail to control immune responses effectively. Her research indicates that instead of dampening inflammation in Parkinson's patients, attempts should be made to rejuvenate the immune system to regain its functionality.

Energy Deficiency in Immune Cells

One of the major findings of Wallings' work is the function of mitochondrial impairment in immune cell exhaustion. Mitochondria are commonly called the powerhouses of cells, as they are vital for generating energy. As mitochondria age and become inefficient, immune cells fail to function well, potentially accelerating neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.

Wallings has found that mutations in the LRRK2 gene, a recognized genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease, are linked with defective mitochondrial function and immune cell exhaustion. Her current work includes testing various therapeutic approaches to restore mitochondrial function in immune cells with the potential to enhance the immune system and potentially prevent or treat Parkinson's disease.

Will Rejuvenating the Immune System Help in Treatment?

For decades, the standard practice in treating Parkinson's has been to suppress brain inflammation. Yet Wallings' work indicates that instead of slowing down immune responses, restoring the immune system could be a more successful strategy. By addressing mitochondrial impairment and immune resilience, researchers can potentially reverse or slow down Parkinson's disease.

Wallings is now looking into how to rejuvenate immune cells by fixing mitochondria. She studies immune cells from patients with Parkinson's as well as from healthy subjects and performs experiments on animal models to determine if rejuvenation of the immune system could result in improved disease outcomes.

Lifestyle Factors That May Affect Parkinson's Risk

While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, some lifestyle adjustments may decrease the chances of developing the illness. Since neurodegenerative diseases are associated with chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction, developing habits that enhance immune function might prove helpful.

Diet: There is evidence to suggest that eating in accordance with the Mediterranean or MIND diets, both high in antioxidants, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory foods, can encourage brain wellness and reduce Parkinson's risk.

Avoiding Dangerous Substances: Restricting alcohol and nicotine use can maintain a robust immune system and suppress inflammation.

Reducing Stress: Chronic stress weakens immune function, so methods such as meditation, exercise, and sufficient sleep can lead to improved overall well-being.

An old idea deserves a second look: caring for others may be one of the most powerful ways to care for ourselves.

In traditional Indian homes, we were taught to care for and share with those around us: neighbours, the staff who worked for us, and the wider community we lived in. This was never thought of as charity. It was an everyday part of life, and it carried great value. The community was almost an extension of oneself and one's family.

The idea that the world is one family is not alien to India. The ancient Sanskrit concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam captures it. Over time, as modern life moved faster, this belief slowly faded and self-care took priority. Today, self-care has become almost a global movement, full of advice on exercise, mindfulness, nutrition and stress reduction. Caring and sharing changed form and became "helping others". That was a welcome shift, because it still nudged us beyond our own wellbeing to do good for someone else.

Science Meets Ancient Wisdom

Remarkably, modern science is now bringing us full circle. A growing body of research confirms what philosophers, spiritual traditions and humanitarian organisations have long understood: when we serve others, we nourish ourselves.

The claim that helping others is the ultimate act of self-care may sound paradoxical.

Psychologists call it the "altruistic paradox". Altruism, the selfless concern for the welfare of others, appears at first glance to mean giving away our time, energy and resources. Yet people who volunteer, care, mentor, teach or serve their communities often receive a great deal in return. The rewards are not material. They are better mental, emotional, social and even physical health.

Studies in public health and psychology consistently link volunteering with greater happiness, stronger social connections, a stronger sense of purpose, lower levels of depression and higher life satisfaction. Some longitudinal studies even suggest that regular volunteering is associated with better physical functioning and lower mortality.

Why Does It Work?

Part of the answer lies in biology. Acts of kindness stimulate the release of "feel-good" chemicals in the brain, including dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins. This effect is often called the "helper's high".

Helping others also reduces loneliness and builds a sense of belonging, one of our deepest human needs. People who engage in meaningful service tend to report greater optimism, a clearer sense of purpose and more resilience in difficult times.

The benefits are especially significant in later life. Older adults who volunteer regularly report better emotional wellbeing, stronger social ties and less isolation. Retirement can leave a gap in identity and purpose, and service can fill that space with meaning and connection. Altruistic motivation itself seems to amplify these effects.

Service Above Self

Long before science confirmed these findings, humanitarian organisations built their philosophy around this truth. One of the finest examples are volunteer organisations like Rotary International, whose principal motto, "Service Above Self", has inspired generations of volunteers across the world. The motto expresses a simple belief: personal fulfilment and social progress are deeply connected.

Through projects that deliver safe drinking water, promote education, fight disease, build peace, protect the environment and support emotional health, Rotary members enrich societies every day. Behind these efforts are countless hours of selfless work that nurture human bonds, empathy and optimism.

A Remedy for Modern Times

Many of us are struggling with isolation, anxiety and constant tension. Active service is a powerful remedy. Whether we are tutoring a child, comforting an elderly neighbour, supporting someone's mental wellbeing, planting trees or guiding young people, these acts are much more than simple help. They are investments in shared and personal vitality.

Real self-care needs both inward reflection and outward engagement. Lifting those around us also lifts our own spirit. Dedicating ourselves to others gives us meaning, deepens our social ties and anchors us in a larger human family.

Ancient spiritual traditions and contemporary science arrive at the same insight: supporting others does not distract us from our own fulfilment. It is the most reliable foundation for it.

In an age of division, the quiet grace of helping someone else is a profound source of restoration, for our communities and for ourselves.

Lemon water may help reduce the risk of certain types of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, but it is not a guaranteed preventive remedy. Lemons contain citrate, a naturally occurring substance that can bind with calcium in urine and help inhibit the formation and growth of some kidney stones.

Drinking lemon water can also support prevention by encouraging greater fluid intake. Adequate hydration increases urine volume, diluting substances such as calcium and oxalate that can crystallise and form stones. However, the benefit depends on the amount consumed, individual urinary chemistry and the type of stone a person is prone to developing.

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back or flanks that may radiate to the groin, pain while urinating, blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting. Some small stones may pass without causing noticeable symptoms, while larger stones can obstruct the urinary tract and cause significant pain.

If kidney stone symptoms occur alongside fever, chills or difficulty passing urine, seek urgent medical attention. These symptoms may indicate an obstruction or infection that requires prompt treatment. A healthcare professional may recommend urine tests, blood tests or imaging to determine the stone's size and location.

How Much Lemon Water Should You Drink?

Also read: Recurring UTIs In West Bengal Toddler Reveal Rare Metabolic Disorder - Cystinuria; Here's What Parents Should Know

It is important to understand that lemon water is not a substitute for medical treatment or personalised dietary advice. Adding lemon to water without excessive sugar and salt is a practical option, but commercially prepared lemon drinks may contain added sugar, which is best limited. Lemon water may also aggravate acidity or heartburn in some individuals.

There is no universally established amount of lemon water that guarantees kidney stone prevention. The priority is to drink enough fluids to maintain adequate urine output, with individual requirements varying according to climate, physical activity and medical conditions. People who have been advised to restrict fluids because of kidney or heart conditions should follow their healthcare professional's recommendations rather than increasing their intake independently.

Who Should Take Extra Precautions?

People with a history of recurrent kidney stones should consult a healthcare professional to identify the stone type and understand their specific risk factors. Depending on the findings, they may need tailored fluid intake, dietary modifications or medication. A 24-hour urine test may also help identify substances that contribute to stone formation and guide preventive measures.

Adequate water intake remains the cornerstone of kidney stone prevention, while lemon water can be a useful addition to a balanced hydration routine. However, its effectiveness varies from person to person, and those at high risk of recurrence may need more targeted preventive strategies.

Inputs by Dr. Anupam Roy, Additional Director - Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Aakash Healthcare Multi-Speciality Hospital, Dwarka

A 43-year-old mother from Northern Ireland got diagnosed with an exceptionally rare cancer after months of pain, continual bleeding and abdominal swelling. She said that these symptoms were initially and inaccurately attributed to perimenopause, anxiety and constipation.

Nicola Crymble’s symptoms started in 2024 after she had a copper intrauterine device (IUD) inserted. The bleeding and pain became so severe that she had the device removed while she was in Kenya doing mission work. “I was constantly bleeding, there was so much pain,” Crymble said.

However, her symptoms persisted even after she returned home. She said doctors initially suggested that perimenopause and anxiety could explain what she was experiencing.

By December 2024, Crymble had noticed a lump in her abdomen. It continued to grow, making everyday activities challenging. She said people even thought she was pregnant because of the swelling. She eventually went to hospital and underwent scans, which revealed a mass near her cervix. Doctors initially thought it might be a cyst.

Crymble Got Diagnosed With FATWO, A Rare Cancer

Also read: Dr Rachna Shroff: Indian-American Cancer Researcher Who Turned Her Diagnosis Into Advocacy

Crymble underwent major surgery in February 2025 to remove the tumour. She also chose to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed during the procedure. A month later, she received the diagnosis that she had female adnexal tumour of probable Wolffian origin, commonly known as FATWO.

The tumour is believed to develop from remnants of the Wolffian duct, an embryonic structure involved in the development of the reproductive and urinary systems. Although these structures usually regress during female development, residual tissue can sometimes pave the way for tumour growth.

FATWO is an exceptionally rare form of cancer. There are only around 150 documented cases recorded worldwide. While many FATWO tumours do not metastatize, some can behave aggressively. In Crymble’s case, the cancer later spread to her liver and vaginal vault, the upper part of the vaginal canal.

She experienced intense pain beneath her ribs before a scan revealed that the cancer had spread. Further surgery was ruled out because the tumour growths were too close to other organs.

Chemotherapy As Surgery Was Not An Option

With surgery no longer an option, Crymble and her doctors decided to proceed with chemotherapy. She began treatment on October 13, 2026, and is expected to undergo six rounds, one every three weeks.

The family is also looking for specialist advice because there is limited information available about the rare disease and the best way to treat it. Her husband, Andrew Crymble, said doctors had little experience with the condition.

“They've never seen it before, they don't know how to treat it,” he said, explaining why the family decided to share her story publicly. They hope it will reach researchers or doctors who may have more information about FATWO.

Crymble has stopped working and has found it difficult to maintain her usual family routines while undergoing treatment. The family is also seeking financial support after discovering that their life insurance coverage will not cover the treatment.

Also read: Amgen & AstraZeneca's New Treatment Combination Cuts Advanced Lung Cancer Death Risk By 58% In Trial

Symptoms That Warrant Immediate Attention

Perimenopause can cause changes in menstrual patterns, like irregular periods. But unexplained bleeding, stubborn abdominal pain, lump or unusual swelling should not automatically be attributed to hormonal changes without seeking medical intervention.

These symptoms can occur due to many causes, and they do not necessarily indicate cancer. But worsening or unusual symptoms demand medical assessment, especially when they do not improve or when new symptoms develop.