Reviewed by Souad Charifi Hadj, licensed pharmacist nº 2676.
Given this terrible pandemic that is taking so many lives, we ask ourselves: What can I do to help my body fight this virus?
In this post, I am going to explain what you should do to keep your immune system in top shape.
First, let's explain what the immune system is:
In the face of any type of infection, our body is equipped with defense systems capable of protecting us against the multiple daily attacks from bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms capable of causing harm to our body.
Our immune system is made up of several mechanisms that are activated in the face of any threat.
When a foreign substance is present, the body's defense mechanisms are activated. The first line of defense is found in the skin, mucous membranes, and gastric juice, but if the invasive agent manages to cross these natural barriers, it encounters white blood cells, which are, so to speak, the police officers of our body.
As you can see, the immune system is complex and requires excellent coordination and strength to protect you.
But first, let's talk about what situations or causes weaken the immune system:
- First, diet: an unbalanced diet, without an adequate supply of vitamins, minerals, amino acids... in short, a diet poor in fruits and vegetables, and based on sugar and ultra-processed food will be a significant cause of a weakened immune system.
- Another important factor is stress, which can weaken the immune system.
Why is this important?
Let's look at or understand what a virus is and how it acts:
A virus is an acellular form with loose genetic material inside, incapable of reproducing itself. For this, it needs a cell with molecular machinery to replicate, so it will invade our cells. Its goal is to reach the cell's nucleus, inject its genetic material inside, and force the cell to replicate it. Once the copies are generated, they leave the cell, which eventually dies, and as the new copies of the virus emerge, they go on to infect other cells and so on.
As we can see, our defenses must prevent the virus from entering our body and consequently prevent its entry into our cells. It seems easy, but it is a job that requires a lot of energy and effort, so the immune system must be in perfect condition.
How or what should we do to help our immune system?
The most important thing is an adequate diet, increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, legumes, fish – in short, a healthy diet, and the Mediterranean diet is one of the best in the world for this purpose.
As I mentioned earlier, fast food, ultra-processed foods, and excessive consumption of sugars, alcohol, and tobacco should be avoided.
It is very important to exercise; physical activity is essential for optimal health.
Another way to help our immune system is through nutritional supplements.
The most important ones are:
-Vitamin C:
Stimulates the production of white blood cells, which, as we said before, are our soldiers.
-Vitamin D:
It is a hormonal factor that controls the immune system; it is an immunomodulator, which makes this vitamin essential for the proper functioning of our immune system.
-Essential fatty acids:
Cell membranes are made up of lipids, hence the importance of providing these fatty acids, and here we find, for example, Omega 3.
-Probiotics
By preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms, they help with nutrient assimilation and generally support the proper functioning of the immune system.
-Zinc
Increases the production of T lymphocytes, other immune system cells, not to mention that it participates in hundreds of enzymatic reactions.
-Vitamin A:
It is necessary to maintain the functional structure of the respiratory system.
I am telling you about these supplements because they have shown the best results in strengthening the immune system, are easy to find, and are accessible to all of us.
In the Biovardi Parapharmacy section, you can find a good selection of supplements that can help you strengthen your immune system.
If you have any doubts and want us to help you, do not hesitate to contact us.
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