Don't let your guard down!

Currently, the world is at war with the coronavirus. While there is no medicine for COVID-19, this article elaborates on how we can boost our immunity in these times.

Hyderabad: We are washing hands religiously. We are practicing vampire sneeze. We are not touching our faces. We are wearing masks and following social distancing. Not one, not two, we are taking a hundred measures to stay safe from COVID-19.

But there is something more important, that is protecting our immunity. At a time when the pandemic is destroying lives and livelihoods, taking care of our immune system is of utmost importance. Our immunity power changes from time to time. With age, our immune functions begin to decline.

Everything else takes a backseat when immunity is in question. This is especially true in the case of infections. If the immune system acts right, no antigens can attack the body. Many of the elderly are contracting the nCoV. The severity of the disease is high among the aged population. So, all eyes are on immunity power now.

We develop this right from the time in our mother’s womb. The fetus receives immunity power from the mother’s placenta through immunoglobulins. It depends on the mother’s health condition, her previous exposure to diseases and vaccination. Some immunoglobulins are passed onto the baby while breastfeeding. The immunity obtained with this will last for a few months.

Infections, vaccines, and bacteria in the gut then form a natural immune system. But natural immunity slows down with age, starting as early as adolescence. In the 60s, the deterioration is quick and rapid. But the good thing is that regardless of age, some people have high immunity and some have low immunity.

With some simple steps, one can recharge their immunity power. The COVID-19 is considered the second-largest pandemic after the Spanish Flu of 1918. The novel coronavirus is here to stay as there is no vaccine or cure for it yet. Hence, it is important to develop immunity. But developing immunity is not a one-day race. It comes with continuous practice. We must remember that the long battle ahead of us can be won only with consistent efforts.

The thymus gland plays an important function in the immune system. It is located behind the breastbone. This is where T lymphocytes are trained to fight infections. The thymus gland, which is active during childhood, becomes dormant with age. From the onset of adolescence, the gland reduces by 3 percent every year and completely disappears in old age. This is one of the reasons why it is difficult to deal with new infections in old age.

The thymus gland could be one reason for the lesser number of COVID-19 infections among children. The immune system is the second most complex mechanism in our body. It is made up of hundreds of different types of cells, biological structures and the 8,000 genes that drive them. It produces two levels of defense. The innate system, which we are born with. This system produces neutrophils and macrophages immediately to counter and kill any foreign bodies. Second is the adaptive immune system. We develop this when our body is exposed to microbes or chemicals released by the microbes.

It comprises of T cells, B cells, and antibodies. They are slow to attack. B cells also have memory. They remember the previous microbes that infected our body and in case of a second attack, they deploy the antibodies to kill them. Viruses like the influenza virus, alter their genetic structure to evade the B cells. The nCoV also seems to be working this way, burdening the immune system.

Most people see no serious threat from their deteriorating immune systems. In fact, our immunity gradually declines starting from adolescence. Various aspects of our lifestyle also fuel the decline. People with sedentary lifestyles, smokers and alcoholics have low immunity than usual.

Generally, when a foreign body enters the system, neutrophils (a type of WBC) are the first to arrive on the scene. They release enzymes like cytokines to fight off the infection. With age, neutrophils also get confused. Old neutrophils are slow to act. With this, the immune response slows down on one hand and inflammation increases on the other. Abnormal functioning of neutrophils can cause dangerous consequences. They block functional neutrophils too. All these factors put the elderly at risk for COVID-19.

There are ways to correct the functioning of neutrophils. They can be controlled by controlling the enzyme that governs them. Cholesterol-lowering statins have proven to be effective in regulating the enzyme that guides them, but there are some side effects to it. Hence, it is better to boost immunity through natural methods. Some hard work is required for this. In fact, it is not as much hard work if we are looking to lead a healthier and longer life.

Exercise: It increases the heart rate and improves blood circulation. WBC and immunoglobulins which keep harmful germs at bay, are quickly pumped to all parts of the body during exercise. It is noteworthy that neutrophils work better in people with regular workout regimen. Neutrophils may not prevent viruses entirely but they can prevent secondary infections from viruses. Pneumonia is the single biggest danger in nCoV attacks. It is a bacterial infection, which damages the pulmonary system. Exercise slows down the speed of thymus deterioration. It also increases the production of macrophages, which inhibit the inflammation process. Therefore, it is advisable to walk at least 10,000 feet a day.

Food: What we eat is who we are. It is time to focus on probiotic bacteria in the gut. If the gut is healthy, we have better immunity with an increased lifespan. Fermented foods like curd and buttermilk contribute to the growth of good bacteria in the intestines. It is good to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. The fiber in leafy greens promotes healthy bacteria, which in turn promote antioxidants and micronutrients. Curry leaves, papaya, spinach, citrus fruits, ginger, garlic, pepper, and turmeric also help in strengthening the immune system.

Fasting: We can boost immunity by reducing our calorie intake. People who fast regularly have fit bodies, sound mental health, and good immune system. Intermittent fasting can be done to reduce calorie intake. There are several ways to it. For example, we can fast for 16 hours a day and eat only for the remaining 8 hours.

Weight control: Overweight or underweight, either can hamper the immune system. The ability of B cells declines with age. The body fails to produce enough antibodies and responds poorly to vaccination. Studies show that obesity can cause similar issues. This is because the adipose tissue slows down the antibody response. It is important to maintain an optimum weight to keep lifestyle diseases like diabetes at bay. The risk of nCoV infection is high in diabetes patients.

Vitamins: Inadequate signals from neutrophils and inflammation triggers can damage the functioning of T cells. Vitamin E helps correct this malfunctioning. Taking the vitamin in optimum quantities (200 IU) can boost immunity in the elderly. Vitamin D plays an equally important role in protecting the immune system. It helps in the effective functioning of WBC. It can be taken in 1000 IU dosage. Taking it in large quantities can affect the functioning of T cells.

Zinc: It is an essential mineral needed for the body’s defensive system to work properly. It protects against viral infections. It is not advisable to exceed the daily limit either. 50 mg per day is sufficient. Chewable zinc supplements are a better option.