Date: 01.12.2022 16:52
Experts draw attention to the importance of a strong immune system in order to protect from the new type of coronavirus (Kovid-19), which affects the whole world as a global epidemic, and states that especially a balanced and rich diet, quality sleep and exercise are among the most basic elements for strengthening the immune system.
Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist: - "Our first weapon is nutrition. We need to be very careful about nutrition. Besides washing hands, using disinfectants and masks, nutrition is the most important factor. I recommend eating a certain amount of everything. A balanced diet is important without cutting the bread. Besides, intake of vitamin C is very important. Lemon, orange, tangerine and kiwi are natural sources of vitamin C.
Stating that the immune system is defined as "a system that creates a defense mechanism against diseases in a living thing, recognizes and destroys pathogens and tumor cells, and protects the body from foreign and harmful substances", Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist said, Its importance has gradually increased due to the Kovid-19 seen in the world.
Our specialist stated that the immune system can be strengthened with natural methods in order to protect against the corona virus, which is known to spread faster and easier to the body in those who do not have a strong immune system.
Emphasizing the importance of consuming fresh ginger, turmeric, black cumin, linden, fruit and vegetables for strengthening the immune system, in addition to a balanced and healthy diet, our expert answered questions on the subject.
How do we know if the immune system is strong?
It is not possible to measure whether the immune system is strong or not. In other words, there is no test that shows whether the immune system is strong. Some blood tests, on the other hand, do not give definite results, they only guide with clues. The most important indicator for this is not to catch infections or to survive with the least damage when encountering diseases.
Are there any bodily symptoms that indicate a weakened immune system?
The immune system varies in everyone due to many different reasons such as genetic structure and general body structure. So everyone has an immune system map. Many factors such as being very tired, under stress or malnutrition, diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases weaken the immune system.
The most important indicator of a weakened immune system is frequent infections. For example, having an upper respiratory tract infection 3-4 times in winter is the most important indicator of a weak immune system. Susceptibility to infections in general indicates weak immunity. Especially during the current pandemic or epidemic periods, the effects are more intense in people with weak immunity.
With aging, changes in biochemical functions in our body cause changes in many processes from cells to organs. Along with these extremely complex changes, the immune system naturally ages. Therefore, it is necessary to pay much more attention to the elderly.
Is everyone born with the same strong immune system from the moment they are born?
Protective immunoglobins pass to us with breast milk. Then, as the person's immune system organs develop, they begin to produce antibodies. This is where the protection and importance of breast milk comes from. In the following years, many factors from genetic factors to nutrition affect the immune system. However, as our skin ages, so does our immune system. Therefore, the elderly are more prone to infections. Even the flu becomes a life-threatening risk for them.
Recently, we have started to hear about people aged 27-35 who have died due to Covid-19, who do not have a known chronic disease. Why are young people not as safe as they think? Might their immune systems not be as strong as they thought?
From previous experience with infectious diseases, we know how the elderly or young people will be affected. However, we do not know enough about the coronavirus. We get new information every day. However, when we look at the statistics obtained so far, we know that the elderly constitute the risky group. Because there is both immune aging and chronic diseases in the elderly. For example, compared to young people, chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and heart diseases are more common. The elderly are therefore much more susceptible.
However, this does not mean that the disease will not occur in young people. Unfortunately, there were also casualties among young people. However, we do not yet know how the immune system of the patients is in these losses or the effect of the coronavirus on these people, even if the immune system is strong. But every day we get new information. The extent to which the immune system is effective in such a course of results in these people is only possible after epidemiological studies.
it will become clear soon.
Although the mortality rate is low in young people, the disease appears. In other words, the immune systems of young people may not be as strong as they think. There may be different underlying chronic problems or nothing at all, and the disease may arise simply because of the strength of the virus. In the end, yes, it can be said that young people are more advantageous than the elderly, but even if the immune systems are very strong, it does not mean that the disease will not occur in young people.
For this reason, it is necessary not to relax by thinking that my immune system is strong, I do not have a chronic disease or I am young. It is very important to pay special attention to social isolation and strictly follow all hygiene rules. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption weaken the immune system and it is absolutely necessary to avoid it.
Or maybe their immune system is too strong? Supplements, vitamins and herbal teas taken in this process over-stimulated the immune system, and there are new discussions as over-response triggers covid-19. What does overpowered immune system mean?
We are in a pandemic period, people may turn to supplements with the thought of protecting myself, or it is observed that they consume products that they have not consumed before. I think this is not true. Everyone has a certain eating habit or lifestyle. For this reason, it is necessary not to do things that will surprise the body too much. As it should be, a balanced diet rich in protein, balanced in fat and carbohydrates, including vegetables, fruits and legumes has a strong effect especially in this period.
There is no such thing as overpowering the immune system. In order to strengthen the immune system, turning to supplements or food products more than necessary may do more harm than good. For example, if a person with a sensitive liver drinks too much herbal tea, it can have a toxic effect on the liver. Or products used to strengthen immunity may cause undesirable results in ongoing diseases.
For this reason, it is necessary not to change the order too much and to go balanced in all matters. For example, strict diets or vice versa obesity also weakens immunity. It is also important for the person to maintain a normal weight.
In this process, how right is it to use vitamin c-d and other food supplements that protect the immune system without any blood test?
At this time, vitamin C can be taken with plenty of water regardless of the level. However, the most important point is that all supplements should be used under the supervision of a physician. For example, vitamin D poisoning may occur as a result of unconsciously taking too much vitamin D.
To strengthen the immune system
mesir paste, which has a sweet and sour taste, is a paste consisting of a combination of 41 medicinal spices, starting from the way it was first made. Mesir paste, which contains strength and energizing from the common features of the Ottoman tradition pastes, has many additional benefits, especially sexual power, due to the medicinal herbs and their mixture.
Eat well; One of the most important reasons for the weakening of the immune system is malnutrition and a sedentary life. Therefore, try to eat a regular and balanced diet.
A Mediterranean diet has also been proven to strengthen immunity. Eating fish at least three days a week, giving weight to legumes in nutrition, eating seasonal vegetables, consuming animal foods such as milk buttermilk, yogurt and kefir are important in strengthening the immune system. Consuming foods with high antioxidant capacity is also beneficial for a strong immune system. Foods such as purslane, citrus fruits, walnuts, spinach, almonds, pomegranates, artichokes, broccoli, carrots, kiwis, fish, pineapple, dried legumes, rosehips, olives, olive oil, oat bran and yogurt strengthen the immune system. Especially green leafy vegetables (spinach, purslane, chard, dill, mint, lettuce) show strong antioxidant properties thanks to the vitamins A, C and E, folic acid and Omega 3 they contain. In order to increase the omega 3 ratio, fish should be consumed 3 days a week, 1 teaspoon of flaxseed can be added to salads. Consuming walnuts, which is a strong source of Omega 3, supports the body in terms of antioxidants.
Get enough and quality sleep; Quality and adequate sleep is one of the factors that keep the immune system strong. Thanks to the serotonin hormone secreted while sleeping, it responds faster to infections. Therefore, make sure to sleep 7-8 hours a day.
Drink water: Water is very important in increasing body resistance and keeping immunity strong. Therefore, try to consume 2 liters of water per day.
Exercise: Exercising in the open air with plenty of oxygen, if possible, is essential for a strong immune system. Although this is not very possible at this time, doing simple exercises at home and moderate exercises such as walking will also be beneficial. While doing this, open the windows at home and let oxygen in.
