This archive report was first published on 26 July 2021.
Boosting immunity with supplements has become a popular trend, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the idea that we can strengthen our immune system by taking vitamins, minerals, or other supplements is a myth.
According to Faith Biongo, a registered nutritionist with Afya Bora, the immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to fight infections and diseases. It's not a single entity that can be strengthened by taking a supplement.
When we think of the immune system, we often look at it as a muscle or an organ that can be boosted by eating or drinking something. But this is not how it works. The immune system has two types of immunity: innate and adaptive or acquired immunity.
Innate immunity is our first line of defense, which includes external barriers like skin, mucous membranes, stomach acids, and white blood cells that help the body fight pathogens. If a pathogen manages to escape the first line of defense, adaptive immunity kicks in, and the body produces antibodies and increases the number of immune system cells specific to that pathogen.
However, the idea of boosting immunity is almost impossible and may not be necessarily a good thing. The immune system requires balance and harmony of all its components to work effectively. It doesn't need to be stronger but balanced.
A balanced diet is the best way to provide your body with all the nutrients it requires. Taking a vitamin or mineral supplement won't help your immune system function better. In fact, when you take vitamins and minerals in excess, your body gets rid of the surplus as waste, and at times, the excess can have negative effects on health.
So, what can you do to support your immune system? The best thing you can do is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Eat balanced meals, be physically active, don't smoke, avoid or moderate alcohol intake, manage stress, observe personal hygiene, and keep up with recommended vaccines.
As Faith Biongo advises, 'live a healthy lifestyle and let your immune system do its thing!'
