Age-Specific Mortality Rate of COVID -19
As of early March, the data coming out of Italy and China are clear and impressive: Young people (under 30) have much, much lower mortality rates than older individuals.
Source: WHO Official Website.
Question: Why do the young survive, and older individuals fall ill?
Answer: The main factor is the function of N.K Cells or Natural Killer Cells.
Natural Killer Cells and Their Function:
Our immune systems degrade as we age. It’s the same reason that increased cancer rates are visible among the aged population. As we age or grow older, our immune systems, which normally find and destroy cancers in our bodies, become overwhelmed, exhausted and depleted.
As researchers are racing to develop vaccines and antiviral therapies to treat the COVID-19 pandemic, one promising option is immunotherapy. This technology uses components of our immune system to alter or boost a patient’s immune response. Immunotherapy has been used successfully to treat other viral diseases as well as cancer and diseases of the immune system.
An important immunotherapeutic approach uses Natural Killer Cells. These cells are part of the innate immune system, which response immediately to new pathogens. (The adaptive immune system, by contrast, develops specific responses over time.)
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| The function of Natural Killer Cell Source: Wikipedia |
NK cells home in on and kill cancerous or virally infected cells by recognizing molecules expressed by those cells, called stress antigens. For patients incapable of an adequate, innate immune response, adoptive transfer therapy by infusing NK cells is a direct way to bolster the immune system’s function.
Scientists demonstrated two decades ago that a deficiency of NK cells in patients infected with the SARS coronavirus was associated with more severe disease and the presence of SARS-specific antibodies. NK cell therapy is a deployable, rapidly scalable approach to treating Covid-19. And it’s well-established that immunotherapy can enhance vaccine-induced immunity.
At present most of the vaccines of Covid-19 are either under development or under clinical trials. They may be available after six months. However, these six months are vital to cope up with this virus. Only options are maintaining personal hygiene, social distancing and most importantly improving the immune system. In this discussion, we go through the various process to improve our self immune systems.
How to Improve the Immune System?
A healthy immune system reduces your chance of viral infection. Simply put, the stronger your immune system, the lower the chance of your falling ill. But then again, having a strong immune system doesn’t make you invincible.
Here are the fundamentals we should all follow:
1. Reduce Stress Levels: Chronic stress suppresses your immune system through the release of the hormone cortisol, which interferes with T-cells. Recommendation: practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing in your regular routine.
2. Exercise: Working out on a regular basis has been proven to boost the immune system. Exercise helps to mobilize T-cells.
3. Sleep: Perhaps the most important thing you can do is get 7-8 hours of restful sleep to strengthen your immune system.
4. Don’t Smoke: If you smoke, now is a critical time to quit. Smoking impairs immunity.
5. Reduce alcohol consumption: Alcohol can interfere with your immune system. Consider only moderate use for relaxation purposes.
6. Vitamin C & Multivitamins: Vitamins can boost your immune system. Vitamin A, B6, C, D and E can help increase the strength of the immune system. Vitamin C is the biggest booster of all.
7. Zinc: Zinc is known to play a central role in the immune system, and zinc-deficient persons experience increased susceptibility to a variety of pathogens. Zinc is crucial for the function of neutrophils and natural killer cells.
8. Oregano Oil: Oregano Oil is best known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and is an effective anti-parasitic, antiviral, antiseptic and immune booster.
Try to Include these Dietary Products in Daily Diet :
- Citrus fruits: Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells. Your body doesn't produce or store it, you need daily vitamin C for continued health.
- Red bell peppers: Ounce for ounce, red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus. They’re also a rich source of beta carotene.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fibre, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables.
- Garlic: Garlic can help fight infections, lower blood pressure and slow down atherosclerosis. Its immune-boosting properties come from sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin.
- Ginger: Ginger may help decrease inflammation. It reduces nausea and can help to decrease chronic pain.
- Spinach: Spinach is packed with antioxidants and beta carotene, which may increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems.
- Yoghurt: Look for yoghurts with "live and active cultures". These may stimulate your immune system. Also, try to select brands fortified with vitamin D.
- Almonds: Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with vitamin E, also key to a healthy immune system.
- Turmeric: This bright yellow, bitter spice is an anti-inflammatory and can help decrease exercise-induced muscle damage.
- Green tea: Green teas are packed with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Green tea is also a good source of the amino acid L-theanine, which aids your T-cells.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are one of nature’s healthiest foods on the planet, rich in essential nutrients and minerals.
Unique Tactics:
1. Try Colostrum: Colostrum is referred to as the first milk from nursing mammals that provides protective antibodies. These antibodies help you fight through the early years of your life. So, try to take milk from the cows, Buffalo or goats which have recently delivered babies. The Colostrum is also available in powder form — obtained from cows, goats and other mammals. These antibodies can be mixed with water, juices and shakes.
2. Herbs: Herbs like Gulancha (Tinospora cordifolia), Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) can boost up your immune system.
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| Gulancha |
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| Tulsi |
3. The Sun: Getting natural sunshine helps supplement your Vitamin D levels, which is essential for the healthy functioning of the immune system. Also beneficial for stress reduction.
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