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Immune Boosting Foods Part 1:
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Hosting, Research, Writing & Post-Production by Lara Hyde, PhD
Assistant Producer: Aliza Baskir
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Opening Motion Graphics by Jay Purugganan
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The information in this video is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this video is for general information purposes only.
References
Footage
File:Clostridium difficile CDC.jpg” by CDC/ James Archer
“Neutrophil and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococccus aureus (MRSA) Bacteria” by National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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The notion of boosting the immune system through food is always enticing. There’s greater urgency right now during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Boosting the immune system” is a marketing buzzword. Immunity isn’t just one thing, but rather a complicated system with lots of moving parts. According to Dr. Christen Rachul, “immune boosting is a phrase that has a health halo around it…but there’s no clear definition or scientific evidence to demonstrate what the mechanism is that makes it healthy.” Outside of deficiency, there hasn’t been good evidence that supplementing nutrients enhances immunity. Antibodies are the most reliable way to prevent infection. The only ways to get lasting antibodies are through natural exposure or vaccines. Period. So from this perspective, no food, nutrient or supplement can truly “boost” the immune response. There are other less direct ways in which nutrition can set the stage for optimal immune function by through general health by preventing chronic disease, reducing inflammation and supporting your gut microbiome. Don’t be deficient in essential nutrients. Mega-doses of individual isolated nutrients has not proven effective, and may be risky. Eating a diversity of plant foods is your best protection for general health. Other lifestyle factors that set the stage for immune function are not smoking, getting enough sleep, regular physical activity, and managing stress. The best nutrition strategy is to develop a dietary pattern that you can stick with, built on diverse fruits and vegetables with high quality proteins and healthy fats.
