Resistance to infections is basically dependent on a few factors. When we are wondering how on earth did the viral infections like swine flu and dengue suddenly came into our midst, we fail to realize that we have failed on the side of nutrition.
When we have the whole world in our hands and can relish whatever we want to eat, we have myths regarding food, which have pushed us into acquiring numerous viral infections. The word swine flu sends shivers down the spine. Do we not know that resistance to infections is partly dependent on what we have trained our children to eat?
Lot of people do not discuss fish and eggs with the same enthusiasm as dhal chaval. Probably it is not fashionable or because it is taboo. Let us start by saying that all meats whatever they may be, are abounding in proteins and vitamins and minerals and good fat . In the arctic regions where the land is snowbound throughout the year, people live by consuming meats of caribou, seals, walrus, polar bears, musk oxen and also fish. Diseases are never known and longevity is inevitable. They live long healthy and happy lives in these erstwhile deprived regions of the world. The japanese are known for their minced beef recipes which are served with a variety of vegetables and greens. in Japan longevity and good health are common and it is a common sight to see men and women in their 90’s cycling blissfully . Hence whatever meat is available and agreeable to you, go ahead and eat it.
The main reason why India has seen a spurt in infectious diseases is because people have played into the nutritious beliefs of people and coerced people into believing that one is better than the other. By this way they have only furthered their marketing plans and reaped enormous benefits, while the general population have been made prone to numerous diseases by playing with the immune system
Immunity is divide into innate or nonspecific immunity( that which is genetic and hereditary) and acquired immunity ( that which is specifically acquired as a consequence of getting infections with different organisms). There are numerous factors that modify the innate immune response. One of the most important factors is nutrition. Of the nutritional factors proteins play a vital role in the formation of the immune competent cells and immunoglobulins. There are bacteria and viruses that have to be dealt by the body on a daily basis. These bacteria, viruses and other microbes can enter by any route- the respiratory tract , that is through the nose or the gastrointestinal tract , that is through the mouth or the urogénital tract that is through sexual contact or urinary infections that which is ascends up the urethra due to bad hygiene.
Having mentioned the routes of entry of infections, it is a mighty job of the body(cells and the antibodies)to tackle and eradicate them. This forms part of the acquired immune response which is specific and active. Our body cells fight with these specific microbes and form cells that can recognize and destroy them.Virally infected cells can release certain molecules called interferons that prevent the spread of these virus from one cell to the other. They also make antibodies that can combine with these microbes and help in their elimination. Now, we have to provide the essential nutrients for the formation of these cells and antibodies and interferons. If not, we have to be ready to suffer from diseases.
There are numerous factors that modify the immune response. Age, hormonal imbalances, nutrition, race and effect of medications are some of these. Childhood and old age are periods when the immune system is not adept enough for an attack by infections. Hormonal imbalances like diabetes and hypothyroidism make the person vulnerable. Drugs such as steroids reduce the competency of the body. Certain races have a genetic makeup that bestows upon them protection against certain infections.
When we discuss nutrition, protein energy malnutrition is one of the leading causes of acquiring infection. It is a well known fact that viruses such as swine flu are airborne viruses. It goes without saying that all of us inhale these viruses and in response make immunocompetent cells and antibodies that can fight and eliminate these viruses. So when all of inhale this virus, why is it that only few actually become fatally ill. The reason is that we have failed in maintaining a proper nutritional status.
Vaccines are being used during the season of swine flu and in my opinion should be avoided. Vaccines are just like a normal infection and they stimulate the body cells just like the natural infection does. Hence they should be used only in the vulnerable population and only off season. During the season of swine flu, when the immune system Is already being challenged by the swine flu virus from the environment, it is not such a good idea to again challenge the immune system with the vaccine strain. Nevertheless vaccines are helpful in combating swine flu if given at the right time. Even if the vaccine is properly administered, the body’s nutritional status should be good in order to help in the formation of these immunocompetent cells to fight against the virus.