About the Immune System
The immune system is a combination of cell, chemicals and organs that fight off infection from intruders such as microbes and virus. The lymphatic system, thymus, bone marrow, spleen, white blood cells and antibodies are all part of one immune system that remembers past invading microbes for quick defense.
How to boost your immune system:
- Healthy Eating
- Exercise
- Sunshine
- Vitamin Supplements
Healthy Eating and Your Immune System
Foods that are commonly thought to boost the immune system include turmeric (fresh tuber), citrus fruits, broccoli, spinach, and papaya. Green tea with ginger, both hot and iced, is a good combination to enhance immune function with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea is a good source of the amino acid L-theanine that may aid in the production of T-cell compounds (a type of white blood cell, born from stem cells in the marrow) to fight off germs. Curcumin, which gives turmeric its distinctive deep yellow colour, is used as an anti-inflammatory for treating osteoarthritis and is claimed to have immune boosting properties in high concentrations.
Exercise is Important
Getting outside for some exercise, sunshine and fresh air has positive psychological and physical effects. Regular exercise boosts the immune system by increasing blood flow to reduce stress and inflammation, and circulate cells that defend the body against infections. Physical activity helps flush out the lungs and airways and a rise in body temperature caused by exercise may prevent bacteria from growing. Sunlight itself, has uplifting effects such as elevated mood and the production of vitamin D.
Vitamin Supplements for Immunity
We have vitamins for in stock designed to boost the immune system when health conditions call for additional supplements. In clinical studies, vitamins A and D have been shown to have a crucial effect on the immune response. Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” as it is produced in the skin in response to UV light.
Immunity Against COVID-19
Beyond protecting ourselves from COVID with standard procedures such as wearing a face mask, self-quarantine when ill, social distancing and a vigorous cleaning schedule, immunity is gained through vaccination. Currently, at the time of this writing, BC’s general population will have the opportunity to be vaccinated in 2021. The queue is based on age, or high priority neighbourhoods.
Summerland Guardian Pharmacy has been serving the local community for over a century and we continue to serve our customers through these unusual times. If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine or how to boost your immune system, please call us at (250) 494-0531.
Further reading: Vitamins for Health – Vitamin C