There's an element of fear seeping through the world at the moment, escalating to panic in some areas. While staying informed through trusted health authorities is important, one of the best things you can do for yourself is support your immune system.
The body's immune system is a complex and fascinating network of cells. Foreign particles, like viruses and bacteria, stand no chance of getting through the system's 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 we are not feeding it well. It needs sleep, vitamins, nutrients, exercise and lots of water. There's a reason these words resound like a stuck record — they're 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 one of the most effective herbal remedies in the world. Echinacea has immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory properties, and is an invaluable herb for regulating the immune system and keeping colds and flu at bay. What makes echinacea particularly effective against colds and flu is its action on the upper and lower respiratory systems. 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 you will love yourself 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 isn't 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 from 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 and stay healthy.