Healthy Tips

Tips from the Campbell University Health Center: Keeping Your Immune System Healthy

Worried about coronavirus (COVID-19)? While we know that COVID-19 is infectious and certainly may be problematic for those who have weakened or compromised immune systems, most healthy individuals will be able to fight off the virus if exposed.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN CASE IT NEEDS TO FIGHT OFF COVID-19, INFLUENZA, OR THE COMMON COLD.

First, always wash your hands if possibly exposed to anyone who may be sick or is sneezing, coughing, etc. COVID-19, and many other illnesses, are spread via respiratory droplets. Wash hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap after exposure to anyone who is, or may be, sick to prevent spread.

Support your body by feeding it a diet of whole plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods contain the phytonutrients necessary to strengthen and support the immune system. An adequately fed immune system will result in optimal performance.

Additionally, these foods will help to feed your gut microbiota, which modulates 70% of the immune system. Other foods to focus on for improved gut health are fermented foods, which provide prebiotics and probiotics.

Diets high in fat have been shown to promote a less diverse microbiome, and the microbes that are present are less associated with health and longevity and more associated with obesity and inflammation.

Work to limit processed and refined sugars found in sweets, sugary drinks, white bread/pasta/rice. Eating a meal high in refined sugars can temporarily inhibit the immune system’s ability to respond to challenges.

Lastly, try not to freak out. A stressed body is one that is less able to fight disease. Utilize these tips in conjunction with social distancing to aid the body in remaining as strong and healthy as possible. As always, if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, dry cough, or shortness of breath, please call your healthcare provider.

EXTERNAL REFERENCES: Kau AL et al. Nature. 2011;474(7351):327–336. Childs CE, Calder PC, Miles EA. Nutrients. 2019;11(8):1933. Wan Y, Wang F, Yuan J, et al. Gut 2019;68:1417-1429.

To make an appointment or for more information about the Health Center, visit campbell. edu/healthcenter. Healthy Tips contributed by Dr. Nicholas Pennings, Dr. Katie Trotta, and Amy Allen, RN. .