If it is raining outside and you are inside a house, you won’t get wet – unless the roof is damaged and leaking. The rain is the same but your protection has been damaged.
Our protective roof against viruses is our immune system. When it is fully functional, it will stop almost any virus and we are far less likely to get sick. This actually happens each day, as we are constantly exposed to viruses, and yet we are not permanently ill.
We become sick when a virus has gotten through the immune system (through the hole in the roof). At this point the immune system works double time to clear out the invader. Symptoms such as a fever and tiredness tell us the immune system is working.
So what can we do to bolster our immune systems?
- Eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, which are high in antioxidants. Some may want to use a supplement as well particularly antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E. Zinc, and Folate supplements are also helpful. Get enough vitamin D either from the sun or a supplement. Get enough essential fatty acids such as fish, olives (or olive oil), linseed or nuts. Keep hydrated with 30-35ml/kg bodyweight per day.
- Get enough sleep, as this is the body’s recharge time. In winter you may need half an hour more than in summer.
- Manage your stress. Research is increasingly showing that stress impacts on immunity. Have some relaxation time. Chill out by listening to music or doing anything that you enjoy and which relaxes you.
Medical Doctor, author, speaker, media presenter and health industry consultant, Dr Joe Kosterich wants you to be healthy and get the most out of life.
Joe writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications, is clinical editor at Medical Forum Magazine, and is also a regular on radio and television.
Joe is Medical Advisor to Medicinal Cannabis Company Little Green Pharma, Chairman of Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association and sits on the board of Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases.
He has self-published two books: Dr Joe’s DIY Health and 60 Minutes To Better Health.
In 2024 due to public demand he commenced a podcast, Dr Joe Unplugged, which can be accessed via Spotify, Apple or YouTube.
Through all this he continues to see patients as a GP each week.
