Grow Healthy
With Dr. Sally's
"Vital Signs" Blog
Let’s face it; this fall’s cold and flu season is shaping up to be a real challenge. Almost every patient I see expresses concern about the health of their immune systems and the ability to withstand the challenges ahead. So in this time of unprecedented concern about the global pandemic of COVID-19, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to be a sitting duck, just waiting to get sick.
As we move further into the challenges of this pandemic, my heart goes out to you! Whether you’re working from home, are now unemployed or are on the frontlines battling this virus, we all need help lowering the inflammation that impairs our immune response. We’ve known for decades that the intake of simple carbs (think colas, bagels, chips) reduces phagocytosis, the process by which white blood cells engulf and destroy bacteria, just like little Pac Men!
One of the silver linings of the coronavirus pandemic is that it has helped people realize their immunity is tied to the overall state of their health. Those with underlying chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), liver and kidney diseases and cancer have impaired immunity and are more susceptible to infection.
As the newly identified coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, spreads rapidly around the world, it is causing a respiratory disease known as CoVID-19. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a virus like this. The common cold (rhinovirus) is a coronavirus, as was the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) coronavirus in 2003 and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) coronavirus in 2009.
