Immune system support

(written in relation to the COVID-19 / coronavirus epidemic)

There is an element of fear seeping through the world at the moment, escalating to panic in some areas. The talk of a virus that is spreading like wildfire is leaving some people feeling slightly on edge. While the Department of Health (www.health.gov.za) and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (www.nicd.ac.za) keeps the public up-to-date regarding the recent Coronavirus outbreak, the best thing you can do for yourself is to keep yourself educated about ways to protect yourself against the virus. One of those ways is to support your immune system. 

The body’s immune system is made up of a complex and fascinating network of cells. Foreign particles, like viruses and bacteria, stand no chance of getting through customs if the immune system has its defences in place. The names of the different types of white blood cells alone should give you an idea of how serious these guys are about keeping your body safe. Names like ‘natural killer cells’ and ‘cytotoxic T cells’ should fill you with confidence that you are in safe hands. Viruses that make their way past the first defences will be flagged by neutrophils, engulfed and dissolved by macrophages, obliterated by cytotoxic T cells and cleaned up by monocytes. If these diseases dare to invade again, the memory T cells will draw on the memory of past infections and instantly let loose an arsenal of attack. However, this incredible army cannot function optimally if you are not feeding it well. It needs sleep, vitamins, nutrients, exercise and lots of water. There is a reason these words resound like a stuck record – they are vital to your health. Let’s focus on a few nutrients that will strengthen and support your immune system.  

Echinacea:

You might know it better as the pretty purple coneflower growing in your garden but research coins it as one of the most effective herbal remedies in the world. Echinacea has immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties and is an invaluable herb for regulating the immune system and keeping colds and flu at bay. The pharmacological action of Echinacea augustifolia is entirely wrapped up in stimulating the activity of each of those immune-modulating cells we have already spoken of.  What makes echinacea particularly effective in the treatment of colds and flu is its action on the upper and lower respiratory systems. With the coronavirus targeting the respiratory system specifically, this herbal tincture is a great defence for your body. A daily dose of 5-10ml of echinacea tincture is recommended. This can be bought from a health shop or a homeopath. Its astringent flavour might make your lips curl back around your ears, but it will leave you smiling eventually.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient and powerful antioxidant needed by every cell in the body involved in immune modulation. It accumulates in phagocytic cells, like macrophages and neutrophils, and helps with apoptosis of diseased cells. Research has shown that Vitamin C helps prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections. It increases antibodies, decreases inflammation, maintains the integrity of collagen and epithelium and makes you less susceptible to infections. Because vitamin C is water-soluble, it is not stored in large amounts in the body and needs to be taken on a daily basis. In acute conditions, an adult dosage of up to 2000mg can be taken daily.

Sambucus nigra:

This is the plant that produces the soft, luscious purple elderberries with the subtle flavour that makes it so popular as a cordial. As a herbal tincture, Sambucus prevents viruses taking hold in the body and is used to treat respiratory tract infections. Sambucus contains flavonoids which block the receptor sites of viruses so that they cannot attach to host cells. These flavonoids, along with high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, make Sambucus an effective antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating herbal supplement.

So let’s not exile the poor guy who dares to sneeze in a public space. Feed your immune system, keep it strong, adhere to the self-isolation guidelines and stay healthy.