We have all heard countless reminders about the proven methods to reduce the spread of COVID-19 such as handwashing, social distancing, and wearing a mask. However, there are many other factors involved in reducing one's risk and the spread of COVID with nutrition being one of them. In this post, we will look at the correlation between nutrition and immunity as explained by Dr. Wafaie Fawzi, Dr. Walter Willett, and Dr. Ibraheem Abioye in an article titled, “Ask the Expert: The role of diet and nutritional supplements during COVID-19” by the Harvard School of Public Health.
Without a doubt, there is a complex relationship between nutrition and immunity in terms of the risk and severity of infections. Those who are malnourished or who may have deficiencies arising from poor eating habits are at greater risk of bacterial and viral infections and may have greater difficulty fighting off these infections. According to the article, “Adequate amounts of minerals and vitamins provided by a healthy diet helps to ensure sufficient numbers of immune cells and antibodies, which are important as the body mounts a response to infections.” This means that someone with a well-balanced diet will be better equipped to fight off infections and may be able to lessen the severity of their symptoms by effectively priming the body to fight off infection and disease.
It is important to understand that there is no one “superfood” that can boost your immune system and help you fight off infections. The body's immune response relies on many micronutrients that are crucial for the growth and function of immune cells; some of these micronutrients include Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D, selenium, and iron. Diets that lack in variety and that consist primarily of processed foods lack these necessary micronutrients and can negatively affect a healthy immune system. Therefore, it is important to establish healthy eating habits which are described by the Healthy Eating Plate as including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts while moderately consuming fish, dairy foods, and poultry, and limited intake of red and processed meat, refined carbohydrates, and sugar.
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