A healthy diet plays an important role in preventing COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread worldwide, affecting more than 62.26 million people. Due to the rapid spread of the causative agent, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), it is important to determine how to prevent infection.

The immune system protects the host from pathogenic organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. To address a wide range of threats, the immune system has evolved to include many specialized cell types that communicate and work together to combat infection.

The immune system is active to monitor all day long, so you need enough nutrients. Some vitamins and trace elements have been shown to reduce the risk of infection.

Researchers at the University of Southampton School of Medicine, School of Human Development and Health have investigated the role of nutrition in boosting the immune system to combat COVID-19 infection.

Published in BMJ nutrition, prevention and health It emphasizes the importance of nutrition in enhancing the ability of the immune system to fight infection.

Immune system

The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that protect the body from infection. It keeps a record of all pathogens encountered so far in order to recognize and kill it when it reenters the body.

Immunological memory refers to the ability of the immune system to quickly recognize antigens that the body has previously encountered and initiate the corresponding immune response.

Many factors can alter the body’s immune response. Aging can lead to a loss of immune system capacity called immune aging.

Immune aging is characterized by a decrease in immune cells such as T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, dendritic cells, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages and natural killer cells.

One factor associated with immune aging is the loss of immune cells from the bone marrow from which these cells are derived. All of these processes that occur in old age can make older people more susceptible to more severe COVID-19.

Obesity is also associated with a reduced immune response. Obese people usually experience impaired activity of helper T lymphocytes, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and natural killer cells. It also reduces the production of antibodies and interferon gamma (IFN-y). This predisposes them to develop serious COVID-19.

Also, obese people may be less responsive to vaccination. Obesity is also associated with elevated blood levels of many inflammatory mediators, a condition of chronic mild inflammation.When infected, the immune system can cause excessive inflammatory reactions such as: Cytokine storm, Vulnerable against serious COVID-19.

Nutrition and immunity

The immune system is always functioning, but certain cells are activated by the presence of pathogens. Activation leads to a significant increase in the immune system’s demand for energy-producing substrates such as fatty acids, glucose and amino acids.

Some nutrients, such as vitamins A and D, are direct regulators of gene expression in immune cells. They play important roles in the maturation, differentiation, and responsiveness of immune cells.

Antioxidants also play an important role in protecting the body from oxidative stress. Classic antioxidant vitamins include vitamins C and E, including antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase.

Therefore, continuing to nourish the body is important to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Good nutrition provides an environment in which the immune system can respond quickly and appropriately to infection. On the other hand, lack of nutrients causes the body and immune system to malfunction.

In a nutshell, nourishing the body with vitamins and minerals is essential to combating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In some cases, even if a person becomes infected, the body’s immune system can easily fight off pathogens and reduce the risk of developing a serious illness.

Vitamins A, B6, folic acid, C, D, and E, which contain trace elements such as zinc, copper, iron, and selenium, have been shown to play an important role in supporting the immune system and reducing the risk of infection. I will.

“It seems wise to consume enough essential nutrients to support the immune system to help fight pathogens when an individual becomes infected,” the researchers explained.

“The dietary intake of a diverse and diverse plant-based and animal-based food that is consistent with current healthy eating guidelines is ideal for supporting the immune system,” they encouraged.