Keep your immune system in top shape with these tips

By ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥ News

erhui1979/DigitalVision Vectors, Getty Images
(erhui1979/DigitalVision Vectors, Getty Images)

Lea en español

For years, Dr. Ahmad Garrett-Price has been counseling patients about the need to keep their immune systems strong, emphasizing exercise, nutrition and sleep.

As the COVID-19 pandemic toll continues to grow, the advice is even more relevant.

"We don't have a proven vaccine, and we don't have proven treatments," said Garrett-Price, a family practice physician with Baylor Scott & White Health System in Dallas. "So, our immune system is our first line of defense."

Although a strong immune system is helpful, he and other health experts stress the in place to battle the coronavirus's spread remain crucial: social distancing, frequent hand-washing, avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands, and staying at home as much as possible to avoid getting COVID-19 in the first place.

"But this is a viral infection, a much stronger viral infection than many other viruses," said Marie-Pierre St-Onge, associate professor of nutritional medicine and director of the Sleep Center of Excellence at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City. "If your immune system is strong, you're better equipped to fight those infections, and the likelihood of having a milder case and recovering is better."

Garrett-Price calls his approach "lifestyle-centered medicine that really keeps you in the preventive mode." It starts with exercise, which in addition to cardiovascular benefits can contribute to good mental health and reduce stress – all important during this time of COVID-19.

"Exercise has anti-inflammatory benefits and promotes cellular repair, cell production and producing immune cells that help you fight off disease," he said.

In a study of 1,002 adults published in the in 2011, people who exercised at least five times a week cut their risk of colds by nearly half compared to people who were largely sedentary. Many of those who did get sick had less severe symptoms.

"You may need to exercise in a more socially responsible manner, in your home or garage or backyard," Garrett-Price said. "But it's great to get that heart rate up."

Eating right is no less important given that about 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut. "We want to drive home the concept of food as medicine," Garrett-Price said.

The healthy foods on his list may sound familiar but are worth repeating: green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, berries, fish, whole grains, foods rich in vitamins A, C and E – and don't forget the garlic.

"Putting good food in your body benefits your overall immune system," he said.

So does giving your body enough rest.

St-Onge, who has conducted extensive research into the links between sleep and health, said studies show "people who have adequate sleep have a much stronger immune system than those who have poorer sleep."

She pointed to a 2015 study in the journal in which 164 healthy volunteers were given nasal drops containing rhinovirus, or the common cold, and sequestered in a hotel. Those who slept less than five hours per night had 4.5 times the odds of developing a cold than those who slept more than seven hours.

St-Onge said the current swirl of stressful news about the pandemic might make it harder to get a good night's sleep. She suggests relaxing activities before bed to ease the stress, with one particular recommendation.

"Shut the TV off a couple hours early and don't listen to the latest statistics," she said. "Enjoy your loved ones … and go to bed with a sound mind."

One silver lining in the current crisis might be that people staying at home don't have to commute to work. "So maybe take that time to wake up a little later," she said.

Garrett-Price sees another possible health benefit down the road.

"We've always known we were supposed to wash our hands to prevent the spread of germs," he said. "But now we really know it can prevent a potentially fatal disease. I think that whenever we get on the other side of this, we'll have a more health-conscious society."

Editor's note: Because of the rapidly evolving events surrounding the coronavirus, the facts and advice presented in this story may have changed since publication. Visit Heart.org for the latest coverage, and check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials for the most recent guidance.

If you have questions or comments about this story, please email [email protected].


ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥ News Stories

ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥ News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥ News stories reflect the official position of the ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥. Statements, conclusions, accuracy and reliability of studies published in ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥ scientific journals or presented at ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥ scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥â€™s official guidance, policies or positions.

Copyright is owned or held by the ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt from or reprint these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥ News.

Other uses, including educational products or services sold for profit, must comply with the ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥â€™s Copyright Permission Guidelines. See full terms of use. These stories may not be used to promote or endorse a commercial product or service.

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.