In accordance with the title of this thread...
At the cellular level nothing is "tough" per se. But "smart".
The qualities that allow you to continue living are:
- Adaptability, which further breaks down to "intelligence", "accuracy/dexterity", "proactivity/vigilance" etc.
- Vitality and integrity of genetic sequence. The quality of your original DNA and telomeres at conception
- Fuel and environment. What you are feeding your cells , the longest of which has a lifespan of 6-12 months.
I would like to understand all 3 qualities for anyone in the ICU from this under age 50. You only have control over #3,and those with vulnerabilities in #1/#2 need to be more careful.
Immune system "intelligence" is far more important than "strength" or "durability"
How fast can your helper Ts gather information and delegate? That determines 90% of the outcome. Helper T cells that are sluggish result in a late response that involves severe fever and pneumonia. If only the Intel was received when viral load was lower the Macrophages and Killer Ts could have began corralling the virus off before it has a chance to infect organs.
Once your mast B cells sound the alarm it's q problem and Killer Ts go on a rampage and the histamine eventually results in inflammation which damages healthy tissue. Steroids are then necessary to reduce the inflammation which has gotten out of hand.
Mast B cells sound the alarm when viral load has reached the point where all your front line Macrophages and NK cells etc are busy. It is a call for reinforcement and mobilization. Inflammatory Cytokines released by these cells are only safe in the body for a couple of hours (depending on the type). When you have pneumonia part of the scarring risk is due to your own immune system fumbling the ball trying to kill the invader and the Cytokines which do not belong in the lung overstay their welcome, cause swelling, trap mucous and block oxygen resulting in a vicious cycle.
This is why I've been investigating not solely
"BOOSTING" the immune system but getting it PROACTIVE, ACCURATE AND INTELLIGENT. Medicinal mushrooms are the best thing in that regard. But expect zero research to be conducted in this arena as mushroom mycelium is easy to cultivate and cannot be patented fully and therefore NOT profitable.
I am taking Turkey Tail mushroom right now as it is immune modulating and hopefully preventative of the situation I mentioned above.