Food & COVID-19

 
 

First, just to clear no food or nutritional supplement will STOP a person from getting COVID- 19.

However, we do know that the food we consume support our immune system to combat corona virus if infected.   

What is the role of our immune system?

Our immune system defends the body against infection. It is also important to note that the immune system keeps a record of every germ it has ever defeated so it can recognise and destroy the germ quickly if it enters the body again.

Therefore:

 
 
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There are other important factors that alter the immune system response:

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However, this article will focus on age, obesity and nutrient intake

 

1. AGE:

Age is currently a significant factor in this pandemic.

 
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In simple words this chart means that most of the people affected by the virus are sadly currently elderly individuals.

Why is that?

This might be due to immunosenescence (a gradual deterioration of the immune system brought on by natural age advancement). This means that as we get older some organs and cells like our immune system don’t work as efficiently as they used to, making the body of the elderly more vulnerable to viruses.

 
 

2. OBESITY

 
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Studies have demonstrated that individuals with BMI (Body Mass Index) higher than 30 are at higher risk of requiring ventilator when infected with Covid-19.

 
 

 Why is that?

 Obese individuals may have defective immune system.

 Other reasons:

  • Chronic (constant) inflammation during obesity.

  •  Obese individuals may get most of their energy from energy high calorie foods but, unfortunately not the necessary micronutrients needed by the immune system.

  • Our immune system needs energy to function well and the types of food we consume does matters. Those foods needed are high in micronutrients such as Vitamins & minerals (Zinc, C, E, D, Cu, A and Selenium), which are found mainly fruits, vegetables, meat and supplements.

 
 
 

3. SPECIFIC MICRONUTRIENTS (FOUND IN FOOD) & IMMUNITY

 Micronutrients are found in vegetables, grains, fruits and meat. To learn more about micronutrients please go to my vitamins and minerals article.

The most important micronutrients highlighted for our immune system during this pandemic overall are: 

  • Zinc

  • Vitamin E

  • Vitamin C

  • Vitamin A – sweet potato, carrot, broccoli leaves

  • Vitamin D- sun, salmon

  • Iron

  • Cooper

  • Selenium

  • B6, B9, B12

 

Why? 

Zinc – has anti-infection roles and studies have shown to improve infectious diseases like pneumonia and viruses.

Vitamin C, vitamin E, Zinc, Cooper and Selenium – support our immune system against viruses.

Selenium – supports our immune system against viral infections and mutations

B6, B9, B12 – helps immune system antibodies to work properly

Vitamin A – protects the body against inflammation and has a critical role in enhancing immune function.

Finally, there is also evidence that some essential fatty acids such as omega 3 (found in oily fish), nuts and seeds that have demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects in human body.   

Summary:

  • Nothing people can eat will STOP them getting infected with COVID-19.

  • Having the right nutrients in our body, means the appropriate nutrients are stored, making the immune system function stronger.

  • Immune function declines with aging and in obese individuals.

  • Vitamins C, E, Cooper, Zinc and Selenium have demonstrated to support the immune system and help the body have a better response to fight viruses.