The topic of health has gained unprecedented importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The novel coronavirus has emerged as a formidable adversary, capable of affecting even the healthiest individuals. Regardless of the pandemic, fortifying our immune system remains fundamental to our overall health and vitality.
According to naturopathic physician Brian Davies, the founder of Westcoast Integrative Health Inc., “Health is currently defined by most medical professionals as a condition of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of illness.”
“Health should be a continuous pursuit, not something we assume is guaranteed,” he emphasizes. “Starting with this broader perspective underlines the importance of achieving harmony in our physical, mental, and social-emotional health.”
Understanding Immune Function
To effectively enhance our immune defense, it’s helpful to comprehend its mechanisms. Its primary role involves protecting the body from harmful pathogens, and it comprises two major elements.
- Innate immunity is our body’s first line of defense, consisting of physical barriers like skin and specialized cells ready to attack entering pathogens, often triggering rapid responses such as fever.
- Adaptive immunity develops as the immune system encounters foreign invaders. When initially exposed to a germ, it attempts to combat it; even if illness occurs, the immune memory speeds up future responses against the same invader.
A robust immune system doesn’t imply that illness is absent. In reality, a healthy immune system can still encounter various viruses, as demonstrated during the pandemic with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that triggers COVID-19.
Indicators of Immune Activity
According to naturopathic doctor Ashley Stapleton from Edgemont Naturopathic in North Vancouver, “Symptoms such as fever, cough, and muscle pain indicate that your immune system is actively working to fend off an infection rather than signaling the infection itself.”
“Good health doesn’t equate to immunity from illness,” Stapleton notes. “What matters is your ability to quickly and effectively eliminate the pathogen when illness arises.” She adds that certain viruses, like HIV and herpes, can still challenge even the healthiest immune systems.
The ongoing pandemic may have created heightened awareness regarding our health, serving as a crucial reminder to prioritize self-care.
Strengthening Immune Function
In light of global events, prioritizing immune health is always advisable. How one goes about this varies based on individual biochemistry, genetics, and health history.
“A healthy lifestyle plays a crucial role in maintaining immune health,” explains Davies. Individuals who may benefit from adapting their lifestyle include those who:
- consume heavily processed foods
- experience poor sleep
- face excessive emotional or physical stress due to injury or overexercise
- drink alcohol excessively
- smoke
These factors impose considerable strain on the body, which can suppress innate immunity and disrupt adaptive immune responses.
“Finding a balance through moderate physical activity, nutrient-rich foods emphasizing whole proteins, healthy fats, and colorful fruits and veggies, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices can be vital for optimal health,” Davies suggests.
The Impact of Aging on Immunity
As we age, our innate immunity often declines as our biochemical efficiency wanes. However, it’s crucial to not only consider chronological age but also biological age.
“Today, biological age can be objectively assessed to gauge how our bodies are aging on a cellular level,” says Davies. “When certain biological aging indicators, such as immune cell activation, are lacking, targeted nutritional and lifestyle adjustments can help address these concerns.”
Davies adds, “Ultimately, lifestyle and nutrition are key factors. The more dedication we show to our health, the greater the return we reap.”
This article was initially published in the April 2022 edition of up7op.
