Published 5 September, 2021
Basseterre
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
It is obvious COVID-19 is going to be with us for quite a while so we encourage all to pay close attention to ways we can build and strengthen our immune system as this is a vital component in the fight against this virus. A strengthened immune system is a great defense against any virus.
Dr. Leonard Calabrese an American rheumatologist, an osteopathic physician, and an internationally recognized HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C researcher at the Cleveland Clinic, explained how the immune system works. He stated, “Our immune system, are all those defenses that reside within us, that defend us against danger. Our immune system also protects us from other sorts of danger, from allergic responses and toxins and harmful effects of our own bodies kind of take out the garbage machinery that has to get rid of all of our dead cells.”
When asked “Are any of us immune to the coronavirus?”
Dr. Calabrese responded “Well since this is a new infection, none of us have immunologic memory for a COVID-19 but if we look through these remarkable epidemiologic studies going on, know why in a group of people do nine out of 10 get it and one does not? Is that because that person had less of a viral exposure? Or does that mean there’s something special about their immune system that protects them? We don’t know yet, but that’s a very important point. And some of us are just more resistant to infections than others.”
It is important to speak with your doctor to fully understand your health conditions to ensure you are making a fully informed decision of the best way to protect yourself during this pandemic.
While the vaccine does supply some level of defense against the virus, there are persons who prefer not to take the vaccine to various reasons, whether medical, religious, or otherwise and that must be respected as well.
Building a strong immune system can also help to keep you out of the hospital beds.
Ensure that you have a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables and food rich in vitamin and minerals that support good health. In addition to that you can take vitamin supplements to support your diet.
Ask your doctor about the best source of vitamins and minerals you can take to help strengthen your immune system.
Vitamin C and E are powerful antioxidants that help to prevent infections or shorten their stay in your body. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, papaya, guava and spinach to name a few and you can get vitamin E is foods such as almonds, peanut better, corn and leafy greens.
Vitamin D, blocks cellular entry of the virus, prevents cell death induced by the virus and inhibits the production of new infectious particles and ultimately diminish the spread of the virus in your body. Spend some time in the sun to soak up this goodness or eat food such as salmon, tuna and sardines.
Vitamin A is also an infection fighter and can be found in fish, meat, dairy, and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes.
Folate or folic acid is important in red blood cell formation and promotes healthy cell growth. Beans, leafy greens and avocado are examples of foods that contain folate.
Iron helps your body carry oxygen to your cells which is vital for your healing process. This can be found in food such as meats, leafy greens and beans.
Zinc is also very important in boosting your immune system by promoting healing. Consuming beans, yogurt, lean meats and poultry are some of the foods that can provide your body with Zinc.
Take care of yourself, eat healthy, exercise and stay positive because your mental and emotional health is just as important as your physical health.
