Nutrition can help the immune system fight off the coronavirus and COVID-19. People who resist the virus, as well as those who survive it, do that depending on their immune system and its ability to deal with the virus. The immune system is a complex defense mechanism of the human body.
To function properly, an immune system must detect a wide variety of agents, known as pathogens, from viruses to parasitic worms, and distinguish them from the organism’s healthy tissue. Malnutrition, as well as particular specific trace vitamin, mineral, and nutrient deficiencies, can also compromise the immune response.
So, help your immune system to help you. Eat and drink healthy.
You might fight COVID-19 with Vitamins, iron, zinc, and selenium
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for growth and development, as well as for the maintenance of the immune system and good vision. Vitamin A can be found in two principal forms in foods: retinol and some of the carotenes. It is found in oily fish, egg yolks, cheese, tofu, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes.
The B vitamins
These are a class of water-soluble vitamins that play essential roles in cell metabolism. They contribute to your body’s first response once it has recognized a pathogen. Though these vitamins share similar names, they are chemically distinct compounds that often coexist in the same foods. B vitamins are found in the highest abundance in meat. But also, eggs, cereals, legumes, green leafy vegetables, fruit, nuts, fortified soy milk.
Vitamins C
It is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It is required for the functioning of several enzymes and is vital for the immune system function. It also functions as an antioxidant. Foods containing vitamin C include citrus fruits, kiwifruit, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, raw bell peppers, and strawberries. Note: prolonged storage or cooking may reduce vitamin C content in foods.
Vitamin D
It activates the innate and dampens the adaptive immune systems. Deficiency has been linked to increased risk or severity of viral infections, including HIV. Supplementation decreases the risk of acute respiratory tract infections. Only a few foods, such as the flesh of fatty fish, naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D. Mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light contribute useful amounts of vitamin D.
Vitamin E
The deficiency of vitamin E can cause impairment of immune responses. Wheat germ oil, hazelnut oil, canola/rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, almond oil, grape seed oil, sunflower seed kernels, almonds, and wheat germ are the best sources of vitamin E.
Iron
Anemia can result from significant iron deficiency. When the body has sufficient iron to meet its needs, the remainder is stored for later use in cells, mostly in the bone marrow and liver. Rich sources of dietary iron include red meat, oysters, lentils, beans, poultry, fish, leaf vegetables, watercress, tofu, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and blackstrap molasses.
Zinc
It is generally considered to be an antioxidant. Zinc deficiency has been associated with major depressive disorder. Groups at risk of zinc deficiency include children in developing countries and the elderly with chronic illnesses. Zinc supplements are commonly used for the treatment of the common cold. Animal products, such as meat, fish, shellfish, fowl, eggs, and dairy, contain zinc.
Selenium
Selenium acts as an antioxidant, helping mop up some of the damage caused by oxidative stress. It is necessary for cellular function. Dietary selenium comes from meat, nuts, cereals, and mushrooms. Brazil nuts are the most abundant dietary source.
Final words
Even though the before-mentioned vitamins and minerals are proven to help the immune system fight against viruses, such as coronavirus, the best thing you should do is to seek medical assistance if you feel the symptoms of COVID-19.
