As the state is slowly opening up after the wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, I just want to take some time to remind us all of the importance of eating well to keep our immune system thriving.
Our immune system is our stronghold to protect our body against illnesses. The immune system not only defends the body from harmful organisms but also removes dead and damaged cells. Poor eating habits can lead to the poor functioning of the immune system called immunodeficiency. In this state, the immune system’s ability to fight infectious diseases is compromised. Poor eating habits can be the result of someone’s personal dietary choices or if someone has limited access to food choices. An underlying disease can also alter the function of the immune system.
As a nutritionist, seeing the panic at the grocery stores, a shortage of essential food in some areas, and the shelter-in-place order, I knew that this may affect vulnerable people from having access to nutritionally dense foods. Nutrients critical to the healthy functioning of the immune system are heavily found in fruits, vegetables and protein sources such as vitamins A, C, B6, E, beta-carotene and essential fatty acids. When Atlanta Harvest opened up their delivery zones, I was enthusiastic that those who need good food and those who are immunocompromised would have access to the foods that they need!
