Immune System Toolkit

NOW MORE THAN EVER, BOOSTING OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM SHOULD BE OUR TOP PRIORITY

It feels like we are under Keep your immune syssiege, trying to fi ght off tem healthy something we can’t even According to the Harvard see. Thankfully, that is School of Medicine, Your exactly what our immune fi rst line of defence is to systems are designed for. choose a healthy lifestyle. Every day, they defend us Following general goodagainst thousands of invishealth guidelines is the sinible enemies that threaten gle best step you can take our health. towards naturally keeping

There is evidence your immune system strong that nutrition and other and healthy. Every part of lifestyle measures influyour body – including your ence immune strength and immune system – functions susceptibility to infectious better when protected from diseases, but whether environmental assaults and these stand up to Covid-19 bolstered by healthy-living is not yet known. However, strategies such as these: why not give your best • Don’t smoke. defender a fi ghting chance • Get adequate sleep. and start supporting it. • Do regular exercise.

• Manage stress through meditation, music, yoga or prayer. • Eat a diet low in fat and rich in fruit and vegetables. • Maintain a healthy body weight. • Drink alcohol in moderation. • Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask and cooking meats thoroughly.

Immune boosting foods

In addition to ensuring you have a healthy gut microbiome, it is advised to include the following nutrient-dense foods in your diet.

Vitamin C rich foods:

These include citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, papaya and kiwi. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells, which are key to fi ghting infection.

Garlic: Its immune boosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulphur-containing compounds, such as allicin. Garlic is thought to be anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.

Ginger: Popular for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Vitamin E rich foods: This powerful antioxidant is found in foods like almonds, avocado and sunflower seeds.

Selenium rich foods:

Thought to combat viral infections, selenium is found in foods like almonds and Brazil nuts.

Turmeric: Has high concentrations of curcumin, which is thought to be anti-viral.

Green tea: Contains powerful antioxidants and is also a good source of the amino acid, L-theanine. It may aid in the production of germ-fi ghting compounds.

Mushrooms: Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years. They are prebiotic, boosting the microbiome’s benefi cial bacteria. Research shows that certain varieties – such as Reishi, Lions Mane, Shiitake and Turkey Tail – are potent sources of antioxidants such as ergothioneine and gluthathione, protecting cells from free radicals. In additional they are a nutritional powerhouse, providing a great source

of Vitamin D, essential for a strong immune system. Should you not be able to source them, these are available as a supplement. The Real Thing Medicinal Mushrooms, R249.

Viral combat top picks

Red Marine Algae

Gigartina is a plentiful source of protein, vitamins, trace minerals, and fi bre. Many species of marine algae – including gigartina – contain signifi cant quantities of complex structural sulfated polysaccharides which have been shown to inhibit certain viruses. Vibrant Health Gigartina Red Marine Algae, R735.

Devine Elixir

Divine Elixir is a super juice which has been developed to help the body heal itself. Daily intake of Divine Elixir will bring your body back to a state of alkalinity and remove the pathogens from your body as the combination of natural plants move through your system and do their work. Contains Chaga Mushrooms, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, lemon, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, sea salt and highly charged water. Available from Healthy Living, Shop 21, La Lucia Mall, R172,50.

Zinkies Lozenges

Zinc is known to have a major influence on the development and integrity of host defences against infection. The barrier functions of the skin and pulmonary and gastrointestinal tract are diminished by zinc defi ciency. In addition, all the major components of the immune system suffer as well. Zinc is used to help with a sore throat, is an immune booster, and can assist with a runny nose and hay fever. Available from Mount Edgecombe Pharmacy, R56.

Metagenics ImmuCore

ImmuCore® is designed to provide a multiple mechanistic approach to support immune system health. This formula features Ultra Potent-C®, developed for enhanced cellular uptake of Vitamin C, combined with zinc, selenium, Vitamin D, and a concentrated blend of mushroom extracts. R425.