Cellular health plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. On average, the human body has between 30-40 trillion cells of various types and with various functions. The healthier your cells are, the healthier your body tends to be, since all cells work together. For example, skin cells are one type of cell, but cells are present in every organ and tissue throughout your body. They contribute to digestion, immunity, and muscle function.
Anna Thalacker-Mercer, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, offers advice on remaining vigilant about cellular health.
According to Thalacker-Mercer, as people age and diseases progress within their bodies, their cellular health declines. Factors such as nutrition and other lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise) are vital to keeping cells healthy to minimize organ decline and disease progression, and optimize health. According to Thalacker-Mercer, malnutrition, both under and over nutrition, have proven to affect cell health. Additionally, her research program and others have demonstrated the specific nutrients impact the ability of cells to do their job.
“Deficiency of both nutritionally essential and non-essential nutrients can impact cell function,” she said. Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, with essential vitamins and minerals, is critical to a long life and optimal cellular health.
Thalacker-Mercer also notes that although the human body has the capcity to make certain nutrients, in specific conditions and with advancing age, the body cannot produce enough of some nutrients to maintain optimal health. Those concerned about cellular-related conditions or diseases should always speak with a trusted physician.
Lifestyle choices also significantly impact overall cell health. Thalacker-Mercer encourages habits such as exercise because they impact a variety of cells in the body. While it may seem that exercise only affects cells in the skeletal muscles, it has proven to impact cells throughout the body.
During exercise, muscles can help with whole-body metabolism. “Beyond the bout of exercise, exercise induces processes that help clean up the accumulation of bad proteins and other waste,” Thalacker-Mercer explains.
She also noted that a sedentary lifestyle can be linked to cellular dysfunction throughout the body. Healthy habits, especially regular exercise, can give you more energy and make you feel your best.
Cells throughout the body work together to maintain peak health. Monitoring your lifestyle and habits, including nutrition and physical activity, and knowing when to see a specialist can help you stay healthy and feel your best.