Healthy Food To Boost The Immune System — Expert

The Dietician Association of Nigeria (DAN) has advised Nigerians to take an adequate balanced diet to build their immune system against diseases and infections.

The National President of the association, Professor Elizabeth Ngwu made the call in an interview with the press in Enugu on Thursday.

Ngwu said that an adequate diet would boost the body’s immune system to fight infections.

“The immune system depends on both macro and micronutrients (substances in foods) for proper functioning and as such, many nutrients are involved in the proper functioning of the immune system.

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“These nutrients cannot be sourced from a single food rather by consuming a variety of healthy foods,’’ she said.

Ngwu maintained that a healthy diet would strengthen the immune system and enable it to play its role of defending the body against infections and fight diseases.

“Examples of these nutrients include proteins, vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D, copper, folate, iron, selenium and zinc, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids,” she said.

She also emphasised the need to drink clean uncontaminated water at least three litres a day, adding that one should not wait to be thirsty before drinking.

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“In order to keep the immune system functioning optimally, you are advised to maintain consumption of an adequate diet with lots of variety.

“An adequate diet should supply nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals in the right quality and quantity.

“Fruits and vegetables are especially important; selecting a colourful array, carrots, green leafy vegetables, fresh tomatoes, oranges, will provide you with vitamins which play an important role, noting that any person who engaged in exercise,  adequate sleep, managing stress, would not need any supplement marketed around,” Ngwu said.

She, however, appealed to the various tiers of government to come to the aid of very many Nigerians who could not afford food to eat especially numerous daily wage earners and unemployed youths.

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“You are also encouraged to exercise your mind and emotions for general wellbeing through games like ludo, scrabble, chess as well as reach out to loved ones and engage in heart-warming and cheerful conversations,’’ she advised

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