The immune system: Women’s Secret Weapon
Table of Contents
An explanation lies in the chromosomes. Women have two X chromosomes, which gives access to significantly more immune-related genes than men, which have an X and a Y chromosome.
“Women have immunologically developed to mutate better than men,” the neurogenic ethic writes Sharon Moalem in his book The Better Half.
Women also produce more estrogen, a hormone that strengthens the immune system. This means that women on average respond better to vaccines, have a lower risk of certain infections and greater ability to fight viruses.
However, they also have a higher risk of autoimmune diseases – a kind of back of the strong immune system.
Testosterone weakens – and speeds up
On the contrary, men’s higher levels of testosterone seem to inhibit the immune system, writes Vartan. In trials, researchers have shown that neutered males get stronger immune systems and that she animals that are injected with testosterone become more susceptible to diseases.
“Testosterone seems to contribute to a pattern where males ‘live hard and die young’,” says Evolution Biologist Marlene Zuk Vid University of Minnesota.
Bowels, nutrition and life span
However, it is not just about hormones.
Women also seem to have better ability to take up nutrition, according to a study from North Carolina State University.
The researchers discovered that women on average have longer small intestines than men, giving the body better conditions to absorb essential nutrients – especially in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
“Most nutrients you need to restore the body – such as protein and fat – are taken up in the small intestine,” says the anthropologist Amanda Haleone of the researchers behind the study.
Conclusion: We have to understand the women’s body better
Historically, medical research has often been based on the man as a norm. But the new research shows that the women’s body works differently – and often stronger.
“This is crucial knowledge that can improve future care and treatments,” writes Vartan.
Also read: Researchers: Alcohol can affect men’s and women’s decisions differently. Today’s Ps
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