Confused about COVID?

Seems like there are a lot more questions than answers about exactly what happens when the virus gets into the human body. Clearly, it’s really, really complicated.

That’s probably because the human body is really, really complicated.

Read studies on practically any health or nutrition topic and they are just as complex. Whether the subject is heart, liver, microbiome or fingernails, you’ll discover there’s some crazy combination of tiny microscopic what-nots that are busy working in perfect precision to keep the show rolling.

Prepare to Be Amazed The picture is no different when it comes to the wondrous immune system that came with our bodies, free of charge!   Whether we face a common cold or a Corona virus, our bodies recruit:

• Type I interferons, signaling proteins that promote antiviral activity in nearby cells and prime the innate immune system,
• Antibodies, proteins designed to glom on and often neutralize an invader,
• Killer T cells, that recognize and destroy your own infected cells, to prevent a virus’s spread
• Helper T cells, to aid that process and coordinate the maturation of antibodies,
• B cells that refine antibodies to a specific pathogen, (2)
• Along with who knows how many other helpful allies!

I can only be awestruck when I hear and read about the immune system–and how all its various parts and pieces work together in perfect precision to protect me.

What’s more, all these microscopic entities are going to battle for me
and I don’t have to do a thing . . .
except for this:
I need to nurture my body well.

Without the vast array of nutrients it needs, I can’t expect my immune system (or any other bodily system) to function at the peak performance needed against a pretty formidable foe.

Boosting vs. Nurturing “Well sure,” you might be saying, “I’ve been hearing about the immune system and how we need to boost it.” What’s new?

What’s new is understanding the difference between “boosting” and “supporting” your immune system.

No Magic Pills  Indeed there is a lot of press these days about “boosting the immune system” which is the perfect entrée for an army of “companies claiming their snack bar/smoothie/supplement/fermented tea is the solution.” (1)  And who doesn’t want a quick and easy magic pill?!!

As Jenna Macciochi, immunologist at the University of Sussex explains, however,

“Everyone has their own individual base level of immunity, let’s call this 100%. While you can’t “boost” your immune system to work at 110% – or make yourself magically immune to COVID-19 – you can support it to function at its fullest.”

Solid Support  So how do we support the immune system if not with the latest fad foods, pills or supplements? We support it with the simple, time-tested, enduring practice of eating well day in and day out. As Macciochi continues,

“Eating a balanced diet to ensure you’re not deficient in any key nutrients is a key way to help your immune system function at its best. ‘That’s not just the classic vitamin C and zinc, but all the essential nutrients and getting enough protein, because that’s the building block of all the cells and antibodies of our immune system. . . .’  Taking care of the gut is a good idea for health in general, as is aiming for 30 different plant foods per week . . . . You should also focus on ‘diversity of dietary fiber,’ which means eating a variety of fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains.” (1)

Yup, same advice we’ve heard for decades–and just as effective for a viable immune system as it is for warding off almost every other disease and condition–all largely without side effects!  Sadly, though, this preventative measure seems to be getting little in the way of air time.

That’s why this month’s FREE class is focused on food-based immune support and how easy, tasty and not-boring it can be. I hope you’ll join me.

January’s FREE Class
The Delicious Way to Support Immunity (Online)

Strengthen your cold and flu defenses this winter. Learn about zinc, why it’s one of the most powerful immune-supporting nutrients, and the common foods you can eat to get more of it into your diet. Then watch as I demonstrate a simple, tasty, zinc-rich meal with variations for different tastes and diets.  Also, joining us will be Natural Grocers’ Nutrition Health Coach to share more zinc information.

Thursday, January 21
6:00 to 7:30 pm Mountain Time

Register here to get the recipes and handouts along with the online link for the class.

Generously sponsored by Erie Community Library
and the High Plains Library District

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Twelve months of study have shown that our bodies, in many cases, develop a robust and persistent immune response to SARS-CoV-2. . . . (2)

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(1) https://www.huffpost.com/entry/boost-immune-system-covid_l_5f7b4f5ec5b63a58a845eddc

(2) https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/12/what-coronavirus-has-taught-us-about-human-immune-system/#close