Know the Important Role of Nutrition in Improving the Immune System

The immune system or the immune system is the body's ability to fight infection and eliminate the work of toxins in the body.

 

How the Immune System Works:

1. Bacteria and other pathogens can enter the body through wounds on the skin/mucosa surface.

2. The natural immune system will respond by releasing factors that trigger immune cells to the injured/sick area.

3. Neutrophils which include white blood cells will secrete substances that can kill and decompose pathogens / germs.

4. Neutrophils and the body's natural immune system called macrophages will eliminate pathogens by "digesting" or what is called phagocytosis.

5. Macrophages produce hormones called cytokines that trigger the immune system and tissue repair.

6. The work of the immune system will last until the pathogen/germ dies and the process of repairing damaged tissue is complete.

 

Nutrition is a substance that comes from food that has been digested and processed in the body so that it becomes a substance that is useful for maintaining and forming body tissues, regulates physiological systems in the body, produces energy and protects the body from disease.

 

Important Micronutrients For Immunity:

1. Vitamin A: Plays a role in the formation of the immune system and antioxidants → Papaya, carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes, eggs, cheese, melon, broccoli, meat, etc.

2. Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, Increases immune cells → Nuts, avocados, broccoli, olive oil, peppers, salmon, shrimp, etc.

3. Vitamin C: Collagen synthesis (maintains skin surface) and as an antioxidant → Oranges, tomatoes, kiwi fruit, strawberries, guava, cauliflower, broccoli, papaya, etc.

4. Selenium : Helps maintain the integrity of cell membranes and protects DNA in body cells from damage → Shellfish, tofu, tuna, shrimp, mushrooms, nuts, eggs, oats, etc.

5. Zinc: Plays a role in the formation of antibodies > Nuts, spinach, asparagus, red meat, chicken, salmon, mushrooms, sesame, broccoli, etc.

6. Iron : Plays a role in the formation of immune cells > Spinach, broccoli, potatoes, almonds, bananas, avocados, chicken, red meat, liver, egg yolks, shrimp, etc.

7. Vitamin D : Helps macrophages work to digest pathogens Salmon, tuna, sardines, egg yolks, cod liver oil, milk, cheese, mushrooms, oatmeal, etc.

8. Glutamine : As a building block for various body tissues, including immune cells > Broccoli, cabbage, red meat, cheese, smoked asparagus, eggs, milk, salmon, oranges, chicken, etc.

9. Vitamins B6, 9, 12: Help to produce antibodies > Eggs, chicken, milk, cheese, seafood, salmon, red meat, carrots, cabbage, corn, potatoes, etc.

10. Copper : Helps regulation and formation of immune cells and cytokine hormones > Nuts, mushrooms, liver, clams, almonds, shrimp, eggs, etc.

 

Maintain Food Nutrition and Maintain Lifestyle:

1. Consumption of balanced food nutrition

2. Limit the use of sugar, salt, and fat

3. Take multivitamin supplements if needed

4. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol

5. Get enough rest and sleep

6. Relax and control your emotions

7. Physical activity

 

Routinely consulting the nutritional health of Hermina's friends to the Clinical Nutrition Specialist Doctor at Hermina Podomoro Hospital is highly recommended to be able to monitor the nutritional needs needed by the body. So that proper handling if found a problem that occurs in the body.