How to boost your immune system
We are all going through an unprecedented pandemic. The Covid-19 scare has changed the world order. Researchers the world over are trying to develop a viable vaccine. Pharma companies are trying to come up with effective anti-viral drugs. We are all being told to maintain safe physical distancing and wear masks.
But one of the most crucial piece of advice, that we have always traditionally received from healthcare experts, has assumed tremendous importance now. This traditional advice has been to develop better resistance against infections and disease, to develop better immunity, the body’s natural and foremost defence system.
Healthy Ways To Strengthen Your Immune System
Immune System and Age
The elderly are particularly vulnerable to poor immunity and its consequences. As we age, our immune response capability becomes reduced, which in turn contributes to more infections and more cancer. As life expectancy in developed countries has increased, so too has the incidence of age-related conditions.There appears to be a connection between nutrition and immunity in the elderly. A form of malnutrition that is surprisingly common even in affluent countries is known as “micronutrient malnutrition.” Micronutrient malnutrition, in which a person is deficient in some essential vitamins and trace minerals that are obtained from or supplemented by diet, can happen in the elderly. Older people tend to eat less and often have less variety in their diets. One important question is whether dietary supplements may help older people maintain a healthier immune system. Older people should discuss this question with their doctor. To add to this, it is essential to factor in the fact that the elderly suffer from multiple chronic disorders that also exert a detrimental effect on immunity.
Diet and your immune system
Food is the fuel that builds immunity. A healthy, wholesome and balanced diet on a regular basis, is the first step towards better immunity There is some evidence that various micronutrient deficiencies — for example, deficiencies of zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E — alter immune responses in animals, as measured in the test tube. However, the impact of these immune system changes on the health of animals is less clear, and the effect of similar deficiencies on the human immune response has yet to be assessed. So, what can you do? If you suspect your diet is not providing you with all your micronutrient needs — maybe, for instance, you don’t like vegetables — taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement may bring other health benefits, beyond any possibly beneficial effects on the immune system. Taking megadoses of a single vitamin does not. More is not necessarily better. A qualified nutritionist can help you tailor your diet to your preferences, seeking a nutritionist’s advice can be helpful.
Stress and immune function
If your mind is not at peace your body certainly cannot be. Modern medicine has come to appreciate the closely linked relationship of mind and body. A wide variety of maladies, including stomach upset, hives, and even heart disease, are linked to the effects of emotional stress. Despite the challenges, scientists are actively studying the relationship between stress and immune function. Emotional and psychological stress can wreak havoc for your health and immunity. Good sleep, yoga, meditation, counselling, social support and behavioral therapy can all collectively go a long way in managing stress levels. Speaking to friends and family and seeking professional help can also go a long way in coping up better with stress and reducing stress levels.
Exercise: Good or bad for immunity?
This has been emphasized again and again – Exercise builds immunity, you need to have an exercise program that is tailored to your needs and strength. It improves your resistance to infections, lung health, bone and muscle health, heart health, regulates sugar levels.
A regular and consistent exercise schedule keep you rejuvenated. Adapted from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
