Does strong immunity help you fight off COVID-19?<\/p>\n
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Just like any foreign bug, the body will defend itself against the invader. Strong immunity is built on a healthy gut microbiome and an army of white blood cells. If someone is consuming a healthy diet based on an array of fruits, vegetables and wholefoods (foods in their whole and unprocessed form - e.g. a potato instead of fries), the immune system should be better-equipped to fight off the virus - or any illness, according to the Heart Foundation.<\/p>\n
Hence, maintaining healthy immune function cannot be achieved by scoffing chips, biscuits and packaged dinners every day, \"balanced\" by a probiotic, Berocca and lemon water. It's built through a healthy lifestyle.<\/p>\n
Vitamin C is widely touted for its immunity benefits, but if you're consuming enough fruit and veg, a supplement is unnecessary. Scientists in China are currently looking into whether ultra-high doses of vitamin C can help COVID-19 patients fight infection, but results will not be available until later this year.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, the daily recommended intake can be achieved through citrus fruits, capsicum and greens such as broccoli and spinach. Unlike a pure vitamin C supplement, these foods also contain other vitamins and minerals that play an important part in keeping your immune system strong.<\/p>\n
There are also three tried and trusted methods to supporting your immune system - reducing stress, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.<\/p>\n
Kombucha tastes great, it's trendy and there are a number of options on the market that are relatively inexpensive. However, it's not a magic tonic - and drinking it by the litre is not going to ward off COVID-19.<\/p>\n
Like probiotics, kombucha contains live microorganisms. However, no studies have ever confirmed whether the drink has a high enough concentration to be considered a probiotic, and there is currently no evidence that kombucha can treat or prevent any illnesses.<\/p>\n
To strengthen one's gut health and immunity, a far more pragmatic bet is opting for probiotic foods such as plain, unsweetened yoghurt, which is full of live cultures, and fermented products such as kefir and sauerkraut.<\/p>\n
\"There is no evidence to suggest that supplements labelled as immune-boosting such as green tea, zinc, elderberry or echinacea will provide any protection against COVID-19. Its more important to have a healthy lifestyle overall,\" Hursthouse wrote.<\/p>\n
However, a vitamin D supplement can prove useful, particularly in parts of the world where sunshine is limited. Several studies have linked low vitamin D levels to a higher risk of respiratory infections. Vitamin D deficiencies are fairly common, and can be discovered through a blood test.<\/p>\n
But again, if there isn't a deficiency, a supplement is not entirely necessary. As BBC Future reported in 2016, vitamin supplements typically don't provide any benefits in already healthy people.<\/p>\n
And of course, prevention is always a good place to start. To minimise your chances of contracting COVID-19, follow the Ministry of Health's guidelines:<\/p>\n
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\nCoronavirus: Does 'boosting' your immune system really help fight off COVID-19? - Newshub<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"