Build a Strong Immunity to fight Infections and Diseases | VR Healthy Ageing

Build a Strong Immunity to fight Infections and Diseases

Our body is equipped to fight and kill pathogens that can cause infections and disease. It has its own army and locators that find and tag the intruders which then are handed over to the army for elimination. All this is part of the Immune system which will be able to protect you when it is well and strong. A weak immune system will not be able to fight and then you will be susceptible to disease and infections. 

To keep the Immune system performing at its peak, we need to fortify our body with certain vitamins and minerals and their deficiency is the main reason for the Immune system being weak. Modern eating habits and the foods we mostly eat like carbs and sugars, tend to make most of us deficient in these all important vitamins as i am listing below:

1. Vitamin C

It is a very important vitamin and one that needs constant intake as it is not stored in our body. It helps various functions and organs like the skin. Its role in the Immune system is to increase the number of Neutrophils. Neutrophils are the most important part of our immune system responsible for fighting infection and inflammation. They have the ability to trap and decimate pathogens. Vitamins C is present in many foods specially citrus fruits and Guavas. Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) is perhaps the most potent source of vitamin c providing up to 8 times more than a lemon.

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is involved in almost all functions of our body and most of us are critically deficient in it. It not only fortifies and strengthens our body but also serves to calm a sometimes overactive immune system. We can get it from exposure to the sun (just 20 minutes of exposure may be enough) but the area of exposure and the season all play a role. In winter for example the rays are not so strong and one might need more time. It can be taken as a supplement and many times high doses for a long time (30000 to 40000 IU) may be needed depending on the deficiency level.

3. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is involved in the creation of antibodies. Antibodies serve to identify and mark the pathogens which are then  handed over to the elimination crew which actually kill them. Not only this, Vitamin A is also involved in sending signals and coordinating the attack. A deficiency of this vitamin leaves you prone to many diseases and pathogens which cannot be eliminated.

Vitamin A is present in many vegetables like leafy greens and carrots. These vegetables contain the precursor which is beta-carotene and the body must convert it to the active form which is retinol for utilization. The problem is the conversion depends on many factors and is usually very small. Animal Liver, Fish oils like Cod Liver Oil, Egg Yolks and orange/yellow vegetables are good sources of retinol. Always eat a balanced diet. 

4. Vitamin E

Another important vitamin for the Immune system. It is a potent antioxidant responsible for elimination and protection. It actually assists in the production of Hydrogen Peroxide which is used to kill pathogens. If a person has to undergo radiation (chemotherapy) it will kill the immune system. Care must be taken to re fortify the system with all important vitamins and minerals and Vitamin E is one of them. It can be had in the more bioavailable form of ‘Tocotrienols’ as a supplement.

5. Trace minerals like Selenium, Copper and Zinc

Required in small amounts these minerals play a big role. Selenium Has a role in making Glutathione which is the most important antioxidant in the body. It protects against oxidative stress. It is involved in energy production and production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It is made up of cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine which helps the immune cells to function properly by regulating inflammation response. Copper and Zinc sometimes work together and help in the production of enzymes. Zync allows the thymus to make T Cells.

To summarize, the modern eating habits which involve processed foods and refined oils besides a large amount of sugar intake impacts the population by making us deficient in a number of vitamins and minerals leaving our Immune system compromised and vulnerable causing it to be unable to provide us defense against many infections and diseases. 

A lifetime commitment to improve our eating habits, incorporating whole foods, reducing dependence on carbohydrates and sugars can help us build a strong Immune System.

Vibhuti Misra  

 Holistic Health Specialist

 +91 813 088 2160