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.

From ground cinnamon to breakfast burritos, popcorn, and even pet food, food recalls in the U.S. seem to be appearing more often. Does this mean our food supply is becoming less safe? According to a report by compliance firm Sedgwick, the FDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture oversaw 294 food recalls in the first half of 2025. In the same period in 2024, the FDA had ordered the destruction of nearly 85 million units. USDA recalls impacted nearly 1.5 million pounds of food, almost three times more than last year.

Is this surge a sign that food production is failing, or does it reflect improvements in traceability? Perhaps the increase is due to better public access to information, allowing more recalls to be noticed. Or is U.S. food simply more contaminated than before?

Why Are Food Recalls Increasing In The U.S.?

The growing number of recalls has left shoppers worried about the safety of groceries. Experts, however, suggest that the increase doesn’t necessarily indicate declining food quality. Instead, it largely reflects advances in detecting contamination earlier and more efficiently.

As Lena Bakovic, MS, RDN, CNSC, from Live It Up explains, “The increase in the number of food recalls that we are seeing is likely largely due in part due to improvements in detection technologies, as well as generally stricter food safety testing requirements. Combined, these advancements help to provide earlier and more effective detection of potential contamination issues.”

Rather than showing a drop in quality, these recalls demonstrate that the system is working to protect public health. Improved testing and monitoring allow potential hazards to be identified and removed from shelves before reaching consumers.

Recent Food Recalls In The U.S.

In recent weeks, a number of U.S. food recalls have caught public attention. Over six million eggs from Black Sheep Egg Company were recalled due to possible salmonella contamination, impacting multiple states. Hormel Foods pulled nearly five million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken after metal fragments were discovered in food-service shipments. About 245,000 pounds of pre-cooked pasta, linked to a deadly listeria outbreak, were also recalled, causing several illnesses and deaths.

Frozen shrimp from various brands were removed over potential exposure to cesium-137, a radioactive isotope associated with cancer risk. More than two million pounds of Golden Island pork jerky were recalled after metal contamination was traced to a damaged conveyor belt. Additionally, ready-to-eat meals from meal-kit services like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Marley Spoon were pulled due to possible listeria contamination, which poses heightened risk to pregnant individuals, older adults, and immunocompromised people. Consumers are advised to discard or return affected products and consult healthcare professionals if needed.

Certain Foods Carry Higher Risks

Not all foods carry the same risk of contamination. Fresh produce, for example, is vulnerable because of its exposure during growth, harvesting, and transport. Packaged “ready-to-eat” meals can also be riskier because they bypass home cooking, a step that often eliminates harmful bacteria.

As Lena notes, “Some types of food are in fact more susceptible to contamination. Raw fruits and vegetables are examples of foods particularly in danger from microbial contamination due to their fresh condition, as well as exposure to potentially hazardous environmental influences. Additionally, food products which are commercially labelled and sold as ‘ready to eat’ can become more dangerous because they skip the at-home cooking process, which would likely eliminate any harmful pathogens in the first place.”

Health Risks of Consuming Recalled Food

The health effects of eating recalled food depend on the contaminant. Bacteria like salmonella or E. coli can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while chemical or allergen contamination may trigger allergic reactions or other toxic effects that aren’t immediately apparent.

“The health consequences can really vary depending on the root cause of the contamination,” Lena explains. “Bacterial pathogens like salmonella or E. coli can produce foodborne illnesses inducing gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If a contaminant is a chemical or an allergen, allergy symptoms or other, potentially unknown, toxic effects are a possibility.”

How to Keep Up With Food Recalls

Understanding recall classifications and keeping up with alerts can help protect your family from potentially harmful products.

In the U.S., food recalls are classified into three levels:

Class I: The most serious category, used when a product poses a significant health risk and could cause severe illness or even death. Examples include foods contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella or items with undeclared allergens.

Class II: Applies to products that may cause temporary or reversible health issues. For instance, yeast or mold contamination falls under this category.

Class III: The least serious, covering minor issues that are unlikely to harm but still break regulations, such as mislabeling—like placing a watermelon-flavored item in an apple package—without allergen concerns.

To stay updated, you can sign up for notifications on the FDA website or check Recalls.gov regularly. Be aware that alerts may include non-food products, so some filtering may be needed.

In India, Pantop 40 has become almost a staple in many households, often consumed daily as casually as a multivitamin, particularly by those over 40. People frequently turn to it to manage acidity, often without considering the possible long-term consequences. What seems like a simple fix, however, can quietly lead to serious health issues. Recently, Dr. Shagun Agarwal, MBBS, M.S., FNB Joint Replacement, shared an advisory on Instagram highlighting the importance of limiting Pantop 40 use.

What Is Pantop 40 or Pantoprazole?

Pantoprazole is a medication designed to treat conditions caused by excessive stomach acid. It is commonly prescribed for erosive esophagitis or heartburn linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It can also be used for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare condition in which the stomach produces too much acid.

As a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), Pantoprazole works by lowering the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is available only with a doctor’s prescription and comes in forms such as packets, delayed-release tablets, or powder for suspension.

Risks of Long-Term Pantop 40 Use

Many people in India rely on Pantop 40 regularly, often treating it as completely harmless. After the age of 40–50, taking it has almost become a routine, without fully appreciating the potential health risks.

Dr. Agarwal explains that using Pantoprazole for long periods can cause serious complications. It may lead to deficiencies in vitamin B12 and magnesium, weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures, inflame the kidneys, trigger digestive problems like IBS, and most concerningly, cause rebound acidity, where acid reflux becomes worse once the medication is stopped.

It is crucial to remember that Pantoprazole is only a temporary fix. While it reduces stomach acid, it does not address the root causes of acidity or other digestive issues. Relying solely on the drug may bring short-term relief, but it cannot replace the benefits of healthy lifestyle adjustments.

Pantop 40: Recommended Dosage

Dosage varies depending on the patient and condition. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. The following information reflects general guidelines:

For erosive esophagitis:

• Adults: 40 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks. In certain cases, your doctor may extend the duration.
• Children 5 years and older weighing 40 kg or more: 40 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks.
• Children 5 years and older weighing 15–39 kg: 20 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks.
• Children under 5 years: Use and dose must be determined by a doctor.

For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome:

• Adults: 40 mg twice daily initially, with possible adjustments as advised by the doctor.
• Children: Use and dose determined by a doctor.

Lifestyle Changes Are Key

Dr. Agarwal emphasizes that many people rely on Pantop 40 to avoid changing their habits. Small, consistent lifestyle adjustments can have a significant impact on acidity. Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods like coffee, fried, or spicy items, having dinner 2–3 hours before bedtime, and losing 5–10% of body weight can reduce acidity by nearly half, often without the need for long-term medication.

In recent weeks, India’s air quality has taken a steep downturn, with “severe” pollution levels reported in cities such as Delhi, Gurugram, and others. Celebrity nutritionist and holistic wellness expert Luke Coutinho has issued a strong warning about the worsening air, calling it a public health crisis that is already affecting millions.

In a recent Instagram post, Luke admitted he is also struggling to cope with the toxic air—a feeling shared by many of his patients. “Dear citizens, this is more than a health issue; it’s a matter of social justice. Delhi’s air is a serious public health emergency, and parts of Mumbai are in poor to hazardous condition. This is a biological threat,” Luke stated in his post.

Air Pollution And PM2.5

Luke explains that the primary culprit is PM2.5, which are tiny particles can enter the bloodstream, bypassing the body’s natural defenses and causing inflammation. “This isn’t just about coughing. Long-term exposure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic lung disease, and even lung and brain damage in children,” he adds.

The good news is that research shows reducing exposure, improving nutrition, and training the lungs can lower inflammation by 20 to 40 percent, according to Luke. He also shares a guide to help families start protecting their lung health.

Luke Coutinho's Guide to Protecting Your Lungs

Foundation 1: Aggressive Exposure Reduction

To cut down exposure, the first step is to treat indoor spaces as your new outdoor environment. Avoid going out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and check air quality indices like AQLin or SAFAR, especially keeping children indoors if the AQI is above 150. When stepping outside, wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask to ensure 80–95 percent protection, as surgical masks are insufficient.

Indoors, treat air purifiers like essential medical devices. A HEPA purifier in the bedroom can reduce particulate matter by 50 to 70 percent, and it is important to replace filters regularly. Avoid incense, candles, and fireworks, and use a damp mop rather than sweeping to minimize dust.

Lastly, quit smoking entirely, as it compounds the lung damage caused by pollution. Reducing exposure is the single most effective step and can slow lung decline by up to 30 percent.

Foundation 2: An Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Plan

A diet rich in anti-inflammatory, high-antioxidant foods can reduce pollution-related damage by as much as 35 percent. Include two cups of leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard daily, which can be added to smoothies or soups. Add one to two cups of steamed cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower; quick steaming is better than boiling.

Consume two to three servings of antioxidant-rich fruits like guava, apples, and strawberries, with guava highlighted as an excellent source of vitamin C. Include one cup of carotenoids or lycopene from foods like carrots and tomatoes, noting that cooking tomatoes with a little oil improves absorption.

Get omega-3 fats from two to three servings of fatty fish per week or one handful of nuts and seeds daily, such as salmon, walnuts, or flaxseeds, which support heart health. Limit processed sugars, refined carbs, excess salt, and deep-fried foods to under 10 percent of total calories, as they promote inflammation. Stay well-hydrated with two to three liters of water daily to thin mucus and support the lungs’ natural cleansing processes.

Foundation 3: Evidence-Based Supplements

Luke suggests remembering key supplements with the code CODE-Z: C for vitamin C, O for omega-3s, D for vitamin D, E for vitamin E, and Z for zinc. Vitamin C (500–1000 mg/day) from guava and strawberries acts as a powerful antioxidant for the lungs. Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) from salmon or walnuts (1000–2000 mg/day) help reduce inflammation from pollution.

Vitamin D (2000–4000 IU/day), found in cod liver oil and fortified milk, supports immunity and lowers infection risk. Vitamin E (200–400 IU/day) from sunflower seeds and almonds protects lung cells with fat-soluble antioxidants. Supplements are helpful during acute pollution exposure, but food should remain the primary source of nutrients. It is important to take supplements under professional guidance, cycle them every 2.5 months, and consult a doctor before starting any new regimen, especially for children.

Foundation 4: Respiratory Resilience with Breathing Exercises

To strengthen the lungs, practice targeted breathing exercises and maintain humidified air. Pursed-lip breathing involves inhaling for two to four seconds and exhaling for four to six seconds through pursed lips; practicing this for five minutes twice daily can ease breathlessness.

Diaphragmatic breathing strengthens the main breathing muscle, allowing for deeper and more efficient breaths. Additionally, five minutes of steam or humidified air daily keeps airways moist and helps clear mucus, supporting overall respiratory resilience.

But remember, always keep your doctor informed before starting any new supplements or changing your diet, especially for children or if you have an existing health condition. Don’t ignore early warning signs, like persistent cough, fatigue, or shortness of breath, which should be checked promptly. Above all, focus on minimizing your exposure to polluted air first.