Now more than ever, boosting our immune system should be our top priority.
It feels like we are under siege, trying to fight off something we can’t even see. Thankfully, that is exactly what our immune systems are designed for. Every day, they defend us against thousands of invisible enemies that threaten our health.
There is evidence that nutrition and other lifestyle measures influence immune strength and susceptibility to infectious diseases, but whether these stand up to Covid-19 is not yet known. However, why not give your best defender a fighting chance and start supporting it.
Keep your immune system healthy
According to the Harvard School of Medicine, Your first line of defence is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take towards naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Every part of your body – including your immune system – functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as these:
• Don’t smoke.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Do regular exercise.
• Manage stress through meditation, music, yoga or prayer.
• Eat a diet low in fat and rich in fruit and vegetables.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Drink alcohol in moderation.
• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask and cooking meats thoroughly.
Immune-boosting foods
In addition to ensuring you have a healthy gut microbiome, it is advised to include the following nutrient-dense foods in your diet.
Vitamin C rich foods: These include citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, papaya and kiwi. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infection.
Garlic: Its immune-boosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulphur-containing compounds, such as allicin. Garlic is thought to be anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Ginger: Popular for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Vitamin E rich foods: This powerful antioxidant is found in foods like almonds, avocado and sunflower seeds.
Selenium rich foods: Thought to combat viral infections, selenium is found in foods like almonds and Brazil nuts.
Turmeric: Has high concentrations of curcumin, which is thought to be anti-viral.
Green tea: Contains powerful antioxidants and is also a good source of the amino acid, L-theanine. It may aid in the production of germ-fighting compounds.
Mushrooms: Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years. They are prebiotic, boosting the microbiome’s beneficial bacteria. Research shows that certain varieties – such as Reishi, Lions Mane, Shiitake and Turkey Tail – are potent sources of antioxidants such as ergothioneine and gluthathione, protecting cells from free radicals. In additional they are a nutritional powerhouse, providing a great source of Vitamin D, essential for a strong immune system. Should you not be able to source them, these are available as a supplement. The Real Thing Medicinal Mushrooms, R249.
Viral combat top picks
Red Marine Algae
Gigartina is a plentiful source of protein, vitamins, trace minerals, and fibre. Many species of marine algae – including gigartina – contain significant quantities of complex structural sulfated polysaccharides which have been shown to inhibit certain viruses. Vibrant Health Gigartina Red Marine Algae, R735.
Devine Elixir
Divine Elixir is a super juice which has been developed to help the body heal itself. Daily intake of Divine Elixir will bring your body back to a state of alkalinity and remove the pathogens from your body as the combination of natural plants move through your system and do their work. Contains Chaga Mushrooms, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, lemon, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, sea salt and highly charged water. Available from Healthy Living, Shop 21, La Lucia Mall, R172,50.
Zinkies Lozenges
Zinc is known to have a major influence on the development and integrity of host defences against infection. The barrier functions of the skin and pulmonary and gastrointestinal tract are diminished by zinc deficiency. In addition, all the major components of the immune system suffer as well. Zinc is used to help with a sore throat, is an immune booster, and can assist with a runny nose and hay fever. Available from Mount Edgecombe Pharmacy, R56.
Metagenics ImmuCore
ImmuCore® is designed to provide a multiple mechanistic approach to support immune system health. This formula features Ultra Potent-C®, developed for enhanced cellular uptake of Vitamin C, combined with zinc, selenium, Vitamin D, and a concentrated blend of mushroom extracts. R425.