Why a good diet and exercise are not enough to fight the virus

I am passionate about fitness. I also adhere to a nutrient-dense “clean” eating plan, which means I minimize my sugar intake and eat lots of whole foods in an effort to optimize my health.

You might be wondering how effective such a diet and exercise program would be in the fight against Covid-19, as some have suggested – without supporting evidence – that vaccination may be unnecessary if one Detailed wellness lifestyle is closely monitored.

As a research scientist who has studied nutrition for almost 20 years, I have watched with great interest the response of the wellness community to Covid-19 vaccines. While eating well can have a favorable impact on the immune system, it is unreasonable to expect nutrition alone to defend itself against a potentially deadly virus.

My experience with the science of nutrition

My lab group at the University of Memphis is studying the effect of isolated foods and nutrients on human health. In January 2009, we conducted a first study on a strict vegan diet. We recruited 43 men and women who could eat as much plant-based foods as they wanted but only drank water for 21 days.

The results demonstrated improvements in many variables related to cardio-metabolic health, such as blood cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin, and C-reactive protein. This protein increases in response to inflammation. Since then, we have carried out several studies on human and animal nutrition using this dietary program.

My lab’s research has resulted in some 200 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and book chapters specific to nutrients and exercise and the interplay between these two variables. The results of our work, and those of other scientists, clearly demonstrate the power of food to improve health.

For many people, a positive change in eating habits results in such improvement in clinically relevant measures like blood cholesterol and blood sugar that doctors can sometimes reduce or eliminate certain drugs used to treat high cholesterol and diabetes.

In other cases, these measures improve, but the patient still needs medication to control his disease. The need for medication tells us that a great nutrition program is not enough to overcome the challenges of the body in certain situations.

Nutrition matters

Although some natural products have been discussed as treatments for Covid-19, little emphasis has been placed on whole food nutrition as a protective measure. I think it’s unfortunate, and I think strengthening our immune system to fight Covid-19 and other viral infections is of great importance. And the evidence tells us that a nutrient-dense diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can all contribute to optimal immune function.

Regarding nutritional intake, a recently published study using a sample of healthcare workers who contracted Covid-19 noted that those who followed a plant-based or pescatarian diet had 73% and 59% less, respectively. chances of suffering from moderate to severe Covid-19, compared to those who did not follow these diets. While interesting, it’s important to remember that these findings represent an association rather than a causal effect.

While people can use nutrition to boost their immune systems against Covid-19, diet is only an important consideration. Other variables are also very important, including stress management, nutritional supplements, physical distancing and wearing a mask.

But to be clear, all of these should be seen as tools in the toolbox to help fight Covid-19 – not a replacement for potentially life-saving vaccines.

Vaccines aren’t perfect, but they save lives

I find it interesting that almost all parents understand the importance of having their children immunized against serious illnesses like mumps, measles and chickenpox. They don’t expect certain foods or a stimulating environment to do the job of a vaccine.

Yet when it comes to Covid-19, this thought process is being abandoned by some who believe that a healthy lifestyle will substitute for the vaccine, without seriously considering what the vaccine actually does to protect against the virus – something that ‘a healthy lifestyle alone cannot do.

When considering whether or not to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, consider the following: All medications carry risks, including things as seemingly benign as aspirin. Hormonal contraception, used by millions of women each month, is believed to cause approximately 300 to 400 deaths per year in the United States. The same goes for cosmetic surgery, Botox injections, and other elective procedures.

Many people are willing to accept the low risks in these cases, but not with those involving Covid-19 vaccines – even if the risk of serious complications or death from Covid-19 far outweighs the low risk of serious vaccine-related adverse events.

No lifestyle approach, including strict adherence to a holistic, nutrient-dense diet – vegan, vegan or otherwise – will provide complete protection against Covid-19. Vaccines aren’t perfect either; breakthrough infections do occur in some cases, although vaccines continue to offer strong protection against serious illness and death.

I encourage people to do whatever they can to improve the health and function of their immune systems, naturally. Then, think seriously about the additional protection that vaccination against Covid-19 would provide. When people make decisions based on the latest scientific knowledge – which is constantly evolving – rather than emotions and misinformation, the decision should become much simpler.

This article originally appeared on The Conversation by Richard bloomer to University of Memphis. Read the original article here.