In the age of COVID, the topic of health has gained unprecedented attention. The novel coronavirus poses a significant threat, even to those deemed fit. However, regardless of a pandemic, strengthening our immune system remains vital for our overall health and wellness.
According to naturopathic physician Brian Davies, who founded Westcoast Integrative Health Inc., “Health is now commonly defined by healthcare professionals as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, rather than simply the absence of illness.”
“Health is an ongoing pursuit,” he adds. “It’s essential not to take it for granted. This definition emphasizes the importance of achieving balance across our physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being.”
Understanding the Immune System
To effectively support our immune system, it’s crucial to understand its functionality. Essentially, its role is to protect against harmful microorganisms, which consists of two major elements.
- Innate immunity is our built-in defense, featuring physical barriers like skin and cells that aggressively attack invading pathogens with quick responses, including fever.
- Adaptive immunity is the immune system’s learned response to foreign agents. Upon first encounter with a new germ, it tries to combat it; although we may experience illness, our immune cells retain the memory of the invader, leading to a more efficient response on subsequent exposures.
It’s important to note that having a robust immune system doesn’t equate to never falling ill. In fact, the opposite can be true. And it is essential to remember that not all viruses are equal, as exemplified by our experiences with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
Symptoms Indicate Immune Activity
“Experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle pain, or headaches indicates that your immune system is actively fighting an infection, rather than indicating the illness itself,” explains Ashley Stapleton, a naturopathic doctor at Edgemont Naturopathic in North Vancouver.
“Being healthy doesn’t imply that you’ll never be sick, but rather that when illness occurs, your body can efficiently eliminate the pathogen,” she states. “Some viruses can challenge even the healthiest immune systems, such as HIV or herpes viruses.”
Nonetheless, this global health situation may have heightened awareness about the necessity of self-care, serving as a wake-up call for many.
Strengthening the Immune System
Regardless of external circumstances, it’s always wise to enhance our immune function. The approach varies for each individual based on factors such as biochemistry, genetics, and personal history.
“To support overall immune health, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital,” emphasizes Davies. Specific groups should consider adjusting their habits for better immune support, including those who:
- consume a diet high in processed foods
- have poor sleep quality
- experience substantial emotional or physical stress due to injury or overtraining
- consume excessive alcohol
- smoke tobacco
Each of these factors increases stress on the body, which can suppress innate immunity and disrupt the adaptive immune response.
“Achieving a balance through moderate exercise, nutritious whole-foods diets including protein, healthy fats, and a colorful array of fruits and vegetables, consistent sleep, and engaging in mindfulness practices are essential for optimal health,” suggests Davies.
Age and Immune Function
As individuals age, their natural immunity typically declines and biological processes become less efficient. However, understanding not only chronological age but also biological age is significant.
“Biological age can now be objectively measured to assess how our bodies are aging on a biochemical level,” Davies states. “When certain aspects of biological aging are evaluated as poor, such as ineffective immune-cell activation, targeted nutritional and lifestyle measures can be implemented to address these issues.”
“Ultimately, it always circles back to lifestyle and nutrition,” Davies concludes. “The greater the effort invested in health, the greater the benefits.”
This article was initially featured in the April 2022 issue of Intomodel.
