Eat Better, Live Better

There has never been a more important time to prioritise our health, says Dr Hassina Kajee, integrative physician, and medical director of Nutrition Network.

- Dr Hassina Kajee

COVID-19 has quite suddenly brought immunity and general health into sharp focus. The shocking reality is that our immune systems are in deep trouble. Excess sugar, nutrient depletion, stress, poor sleep, quick-fix medications and a fast-paced modern life have turned our bodies on themselves.

The immune system’s alarm system is so stressed by modern existence that for many, it is in a chronic state of hypervigilance, and this is not a good thing. An overworked system is never a happy, healthy place.

Over time I’ve come to realise one big but simple fact: if we want to be healthy and well, we must do what our bodies need rather than forcing our bodies to comply with what we think we need. Deadlines, constant rushing, and sacrificing sleep and nutrition are simply not what is best for our health, and we know it!

The pandemic has highlighted several immune-related questions:

• Why do some people infected with the virus remain asymptomatic while others succumb?

• Why are people with diabetes and people who are overweight, aged or have other diseases of lifestyle at greater risk?

• What makes a system that can function with seamless elegance in some, result in a rapid decline in others?

The good news is that by making small sustainable changes in nutrition, there is a positive knock-on effect on the rest of our lives. Good nutrition helps to improve sleep, stress, mood and of course, immunity.

YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

In order to do better, I think it’s important to take a brief detour to understand how our immune system works. It is made up of several cells and organs: the tonsils, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow all form part of the immune system.