The Immune System that Fights All Year

Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay

The hustle and bustle of college often seems like it never ends. Yet on top of school work, students must also maintain their health and wellness. Although flu season is when most college students remember to boost their immune system, the immune system works all year round and must be continually nourished. The global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a current example of how upkeeping health and wellness is important.

Lu Akinrinbade, a University of Maryland alumni, registered dietitian and founder of Alive & Well Co. said, “To be honest, no specific foods (vitamin C included) are specific in boosting the immune system. It really is about having a balanced diet and overall health.”

The immune system is the body’s defense system against all forms of infection. Akinribade explained that this defense is made up of antibodies and white blood cells. Akinrinbade said that food does not give the body antibodies or white blood cells which are needed to “strengthen the immune system.”

“Food really helps to nourish your body and also to make sure that your body is functioning properly,” Akinrinbade said.

While a balanced diet and regular exercise doesn’t completely protect the body from infection, it does keep the body healthy so that it can be in the best position to fight infection if it does occur. Moreover, multivitamins, vitamin C capsules, and homeopathic remedies can be helpful supplements for aiding personal health, since they can help boost your immune system. Multivitamins are available at drug stores and wholesalers like Sam’s Club. However, be sure to consult your doctor before taking any multivitamins/supplements.

Judy Chirino, a second-year master’s student in voice performance, recognizes the importance of staying healthy and active, as her health determines whether or not she can sing.

“There’s this amazing Korean brand called ‘Atomy,’ they have this amazing vitamin C that I love,” Chirino said.

Another important way to upkeep the immune system is through a regular sleeping schedule. The importance of sleep is usually disregarded by students because of their busy schedules.

An article by the Sleep Foundation said that “without sufficient sleep, your body makes fewer cytokines, a type of protein that targets infection and inflammation, effectively creating an immune response.”

Anya Trudeau, a sophomore English major, said she upkeeps her immune system by getting as much sleep as possible.

“Getting sleep is so important for your body…yeah grades are important, but sleep is more important,” said Trudeau.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults ranging from 18 to 60 years old should aim to sleep for at least seven hours.

Maintaining your immune system can help ease your burden in the long-run. By forming good habits early in life, you can help make sure your immune system, and body as a whole, stay strong for years to come.