Boost up Immune System to fight off Covid-19

Immunogenetics: Open Access is the Journal that discusses the branch of medical genetics that explores the relationship between the immune system and genetics. Here we are explain about the topic on Boost up Immune System to fight off Covid-19.

Boosting immunity is actually a misconception. Many symptoms we think are associated with illness are actually our body's immune response, such as gross amounts of snot and phlegm. For example, mucus can help flush out the pathogen and a fever helps to make the body an uncomfortably hot environment in which it's harder for the pathogen to replicate. These are signs the immune system is doing what it's supposed to do.

The mucus and chemical signals are part of inflammation, which is the bedrock of a healthy immune response. But the process is exhausting, so you wouldn’t want to have it turned up to 11 all the time. And most viruses, including COVID-19, will trigger it anyway. If kombucha, green tea or any of the various 'immune-boosting' concoctions on the market really had any impact, they wouldn’t give you a healthful glow: they’d give you a runny nose. Ironically, many 'immunity-boosting' products claim to reduce inflammation.

Maintain an adequate diet. If you're in a state of undernutrition, that's certainly a danger. And that's why people in very poor countries and so forth are at risk. We don't know how much being overweight is a risk factor for this virus. We don't know of anything, despite all the claims in the pharmacies and drug stores and so forth that boost your immune system. We don't know whether any of those things have any validity at all, quite frankly. The most effective way to increase good bacteria in the gut is by eating a variety of whole fruits and vegetables. Ginger, garlic and onion, as well as legumes and pulses such as beans and lentils, are all good bets.

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Just like any foreign bug, the body will defend itself against the invader. Strong immunity is built on a healthy gut microbiome and an army of white blood cells. If someone is consuming a healthy diet based on an array of fruits, vegetables and wholefoods (foods in their whole and unprocessed form - e.g. a potato instead of fries), the immune system should be better. Hence, maintaining healthy immune function cannot be achieved by scoffing chips, biscuits and packaged dinners every day, "balanced" by a probiotic, Berocca and lemon water. It's built through a healthy lifestyle. 

Vitamin C is widely touted for its immunity benefits, but if you're consuming enough fruit and veg, a supplement is unnecessary. Scientists in China are currently looking into whether ultra-high doses of vitamin C can help COVID-19 patients fight infection-equipped to fight off the virus - or any illness.

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Robert Solomon

Managing Editor

Immunogenetics: Open Access