Written By: Ify Obinabo
Immune system is the metabolism that defends the human body against invaders such as viruses, bacteria and foreign bodies. Our immune system is essential for our survival. Without an immune system, our bodies would be open to attack from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and more.
It is our immune system that keeps us healthy as we drift through a sea of pathogens. This vast network of cells and tissues is constantly on the lookout for invaders, and once an enemy is spotted, a complex attack is mounted. As we age, our immune response capability becomes reduced, which in turn contributes to more infections and more cancer.
The immune system is spread throughout the body and involves many types of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues. Crucially, it can distinguish our tissue from foreign tissue – self from non-self. Dead and faulty cells are also recognized and cleared away by the immune system.
Hence, strong immune system is very necessary for every living being, especially in this coronavirus era. A healthy immune system can defeat invading pathogens. If the immune system encounters a pathogen, for instance, a bacterium, virus, or parasite, it mounts an immune response. Skin is the first layer of defence against external pathogens.
To function well, our immunity requires balance and harmony. General healthy-living strategies are a good way to start giving our immune system the upper hand. Our first line of defence is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step one can take toward naturally keeping the immune system strong and healthy.
One can, therefore, boost the immunity by eating a lot of common vegetables like bitterleaf (onugbu) and ugu (pumpkin) as well as cucumber which grow well during the rainy season and are now quite affordable. We can also boost our immune system by eating a lot of fruits like lemons, oranges, pawpaw, pineapples, avocados and sour sops
People are equally encouraged to take supplements like Vitamin C and Vitamin D as well as pharmaceutical products which contain Zinc. They help our immune system very well. Ndi Anambra are advised to eat right. They should eat organic foods like our traditional foods, as opposed to junk foods which are processed foods and have plenty of sugar and other artificial sweeteners.
The importance of physical exercises cannot be overemphasised. They help lung function and blood oxygen saturation. People are, therefore, encouraged to exercise regularly. Physical exercises need not be vigorous. Simple exercises like walking gently are useful.
Furthermore, every part of the body, including our immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies. Thus, to boost our immune system, don’t smoke, eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation, get adequate sleep, take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and running water and cooking meats thoroughly. Also, try to minimize stress to increase immunity the healthy way.
Anambra state has done very well in the fight against COVID-19. Ndi Anambra are, therefore, advised to continue to work hard to make Anambra State remain the safest state in Nigeria. Let us fight the coronavirus pandemic with the same zeal with which we have successfully fought violent criminals like armed robbers, kidnappers and contract murderers and consequently make our state the most peaceful.
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