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As restrictions ease and we find ourselves tiptoeing gently out of lockdown, fear still exists amongst local communities and the Worlds’ populations.
“Will there be a second wave?”
“Will a vaccine be developed to combat coronavirus?”
“Will things return to normal?”
These are the questions which we are all asking. But of who? The Governments and World Health Organisation have been pursuing a cure in the form of a vaccine. But are we to trust a vaccine that has been rushed through in record speed, for a class of virus for which we have never successfully produced a vaccine? Pharmaceutical companies are sacrificing safety in the rush to be first past the post.
Many people don’t realise that a vaccine is not a cure, as it is still a person’s own immune system that does the heavy lifting when exposed to a microbial threat. Vaccine’s continue to rely on the body’s own defences.
Up to date I haven’t heard one government briefing that has told the public how to boost their immune system. A strong, resilient fully functioning immune system is the best way to combat any virus or bacteria, and this has been proven over thousands of years.
Boosting your immunity mask
One of the potential dangers facing us is that we will find ourselves fully out of our lockdown situation just as we approach the autumn and winter months. Many infectious diseases flourishes when the weather is cold and when people spend more time indoors. The reasons for this include poor air circulation, cold temperatures and increased indoor proximity and activity.
Everybody should be thinking about optimising their immune systems to help prevent the spread of infectious disease in the coming months ahead, by becoming more resilient to catching anything in the first place.
A robust immune system needs specific building blocks from good nutritious food for it to function. As McDonald’s and other fast food restaurants reopen, think twice before joining the drive-in queue.
Vitamin D helps prevent viral infections
Vitamin D is produced by the action of sunlight on the skin and it has a key role in supporting immunity and defending the body against a multitude of diseases. However, many people are deficient in vitamin D, and this deficiency worsens in the winter months.
There is a lot of evidence showing vitamin D as an important component in the prevention and treatment of influenza and upper respiratory tract infections such as COVID-19. Deficiency is associated with an increased risk of intensive care admission and death in patients with pneumonia and is common in critically ill patients.
During the Spanish Flu pandemic greater numbers of people died during the winter months which may have been due to falling vitamin D levels.
Vitamin C helps prevent viral infections
The power of vitamin C as an anti-viral has been known for around 100 years and is being used to prevent and treat COVID-19 in China and Korea with significant success. It does no harm to the body even in the highest of quantities.
We can’t make vitamin C unlike most other animals so we must eat it. It is needed for the proper functioning of the immune system and can help guard against sepsis.
Other nutrients that help prevent viral infections
Zinc helps to optimise immune function and reduce the risk of infection and is often low in many modern diets. Selenium helps lower oxidative stress in the body which lowers inflammation and enhances immunity, but low levels of selenium in foods mean that people are often deficient.
Probiotics are live organisms that can be consumed through fermented foods and supplements. Probiotics give your immune system a boost and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Taking probiotics has been shown to reduce the likelihood and duration of respiratory diseases.
You can supercharge your immunity
The importance of the featured nutrients and their effect on boosting immunity are backed by many scientific papers but is further enhanced by a nutritionally dense diet and positive lifestyle changes.
They are not drugs and many people fall in the trap of changing diet and taking supplements for one month or less and still hope to make a difference. The reality is that a strong immune system comes with prolonged positive change and grows even stronger over time.
Take charge now
Contact me to review your diet and assess your needs so that you build a strong, resilient, fully functioning immune system to protect yourself from viral attack. A greater peace of mind than any mask or distancing rule.
