Nutritional Immunology: Over the course of life: WHO IMPACTS WHO?
You walk into the grocery store, pick up an enormous immune-boosting packet and Woah! your immunity just got upgraded. Really?
Is it that simple? Hell naw! You wish it was.
Immunity is all an intricate interaction of genetics, environment and lifestyle. A well-knit network of exercise, sleep, stress and the most pivotal- nutrition. And no, it does not happen overnight, certainly not even if you gulp down your immune-boosting supplements!
There exists a synergistic interaction between nutrition and infection. A vicious cycle is formed wherein there is inadequate dietary intake which leads to weight loss, lowering immunity causing infection which again leads to further nutrient loss and altered metabolism.
The Ultimate Immunity Kit
It takes a great deal of hard work to actually have an armory of the most impeccable amalgamation of nutrients. N-3 PUFAs(polyunsaturated fatty acids), Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin B6, B12, C D, E, folic acid, probiotics as well as some tea constituents so to speak consist of your go to- immune building truck. Basically, a balanced diet having all the essential elements such as eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats will undoubtedly improve your nutritional status over a period of time. Thus nutrition plays a crucial role in curtailing age-related changes in the immune system and improving longevity and survival.
Immunity through life stages
Enough of the bird’s eye view, we need to ponder closely on this matter to delve deep. Steering clear of the above information, we must see how immunity starts to build up in our growing years. When life begins, in the context of a neonate, the mother’s antibodies are the only life savior. However, the neonate is more prone to develop infections because of poor antibody production. Breast milk is the panacea as far as immunity is concerned. Thus, gradually the neonate’s immune system is formed and breast milk poses to be the major foundation of the same. It contains the right gut microbiome(combination of bacterias) and essential growth factors pivotal to a robust immune network.
Thereon once the child grows gradually and is influenced by a host of factors including environmental, usage of antibiotics and of course, Nutrition. The key is an overall balanced approach. A diet that sustains and supports the growing period from childhood to adolescence. Thereafter, once a child matures into a fully grown adult, the overall immunity built through the initial years comes to the rescue. If and only if, the diet rich in antioxidants is consumed alongside maintaining the stress levels.
Immuno modulating factors
Our body is in a constant mode of defense and attack. Each day cells die as well as get replenished. Naturally, that would in turn impact immunity as well. Besides this, there are a host of other factors too that regulate immunity and affect the overall immune status.
- The cortisol or the stress hormone is the major factor that influences even an otherwise good immune system obtained through diet. As we age, our immune system also declines.
- Hidden in plain sight lies the fact that the cells in the linings are continually turning over.
- Therefore, there should be an ample amount of nutrients for growth and replication in order to protect from any infection.
- Another factor, lack of sleep is all the more responsible for the declining immune system.
- The cytokines-significant antibodies are only released during sound sleep.
- Anxiety is another ticking time bomb that robs you of your fighter friends.
- High fat, as well as a sugary diet too, can lead to a major immunity slump, which is why it is not only essential to have the right nutrients in your diet, but also one should minimize the consumption of these high-fat foods alongside.
- If you are somebody who does not exercise regularly, sorry to spill the beans but because of a lack of exercise, there ain’t a proper blood flow in your body. Therefore, all these amazing killer cells and T-cells that could potentially take care of you and your infections are not being circulated enough. This again causes a major plunge in your immunity.
- Smoking and alcohol, as you might have guessed, do more harm than good.
Anything in balance is good to go, but again excessive usage would definitely cause havoc. Thus a sustainable lifestyle wherein a balance has to be made amongst all these stated factors would prove an all-embracing long-range immune status.
Pseudo immune booster vs Authentic immune enhancers
Now comes the mode of consumption. Popping a pill of say, Vitamin D or any other immune-boosting nutrients won’t help you in the long run. They can only lift your spirits for a temporary phase. Agreed that studies have shown that these improve and strengthen the immune network, but again the question is for how long can you dwell on something that is artificial?
Your body is anything but natural, hence consuming in its pristine natural form would only enhance the absorption if consumed in a balanced manner.
So, melatonin supplements or natural sleep? Antioxidant nutrient pills or green leafy veggies?
Absconding temporarily only to fool yourself in the name of strengthening immunity or
Embracing the natural gifts in a holistic manner enhancing the quality and longevity of life: make sure you are making the right choice.
As the choice is yours, It has always been. Indeed!