Vaccines are the most potent weapons of modern medicine in the fight against infectious diseases. The National Immunization Awareness Month, in August every year, is a reminder to stay up to date on recommended vaccinations. Often, the conversation surrounding vaccination centres around the schedules, safety, and accessibility of vaccines. However, there is increased curiosity around how lifestyle factors, especially diet, impact the immune response to vaccines.
Evidence suggests nutrition is an extremely important factor for a well-functioning immune system, which, in turn, leads to an appropriate response to vaccines. Ensuring you have adequate levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can help your body produce more antibodies, better functioning of immune cells, and perhaps even longer immunity.
Dr Manisha Arora, Director, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explains how your diet can help your body respond optimally to vaccines
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1). Protein boost
Protein is composed of antibodies. For optimal immune response, it is essential the body has sufficient amount of proteins. You can boost your diet with lean meats, eggs, milk, legumes, and nuts.
2). Stock up on immune-fighting vitamins
Vitamins A, C, and E shield immune cells and the defense barriers of the body. Include carrots, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, berries, spinach, and almonds in your daily diet.
3). Don't neglect Vitamin D
Famous for bone growth, vitamin D is also crucial for immunity. Vaccine weakness can be due to deficiency. Exposure to sunlight and consumption of fatty fish, mushrooms, and milk are a must.
4). Mineralise yourself with Zinc and Selenium
Both these minerals help in the development and functioning of immune cells. Include pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, whole grains, Brazil nuts, and sea food in your diet plan to mineralize yourself.
5). Improve digestion with fibre and fermented foods
A robust gut microbiome boosts the body's response to vaccinations. Include whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi in your diet.
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6). Hydrate and lead a healthy lifestyle
Drink lots of water, exercise daily and sleep well to maintain strong immunity.
7). Ditch all immunosuppressive foods and habits
Sugar-rich foods and beverages, ultra-processed foods, trans fats, and excessive alcohol can cause chronic inflammation, which may weaken the vaccine's effectiveness.
Diet tip: If you are afflicted with chronic illnesses like diabetes, obesity, or heart disease, healthy eating is even more important to allow your body to react positively to vaccines. Consult your doctor or nutritionist before making radical changes in your diet.
Better nutrition will never eliminate the necessity for shots, but it can assist your body in receiving the most out of them. It's the same as getting your body ready for any serious medical intervention: To give it the best foundation. That foundation begins on your plate.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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