📩 18/10/2023 12:57
Istanbul Okan University Hospital Dietitian Selin Yavuz explained what the immune system is, how it works and what needs to be done to strengthen it.
What is the immune system?
”The immune system is a system of tissues and cells located in different organs to protect the body against harmful bacteria and infections. “70 percent of the immune system is in the intestines.” Selin Yavuz, Dietitian at Istanbul Okan University Hospital, emphasized that the immune system is the body's defense system and said that our body fights harmful microorganisms that enter from outside and protects us against diseases.
So, what can we do to strengthen our immune system?
Dyt underlines that adequate and balanced nutrition is necessary to strengthen the immune system. Selin Yavuz said:
“Nutritional deficiency is among the reasons for the weakening of the immune system. Therefore, the most important basis for a strong immune system is adequate and balanced nutrition. The immune system has a complex structure and there is no miraculous way to strengthen it. "You cannot have a strong immune system just by following a nutrition program rich in vitamins and minerals."
Dyt stated that vitamins and minerals are the most important supporters of the immune system. Selin Yavuz said, “When vitamins and minerals are part of a balanced diet, they are among the most important supporters of the immune system. Vitamin C and vitamin E are very powerful antioxidants that help your body fight infections. Winter fruits such as orange, tangerine, grapefruit, kiwi, spinach, bell pepper and Brussels sprouts are among the sources of vitamin C. “We should definitely add it to our main meals and snacks.” He stated:
Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics, pay attention to this trio!
Dyt says that these beneficial bacteria, which protect our body against harmful bacteria and help prevent infections, also strengthen immunity. Selin Yavuz concluded her words as follows:
“Consumption of foods containing probiotics becomes important in order to strengthen the immune system, especially during seasonal transitions and winter months when body resistance is broken. A balanced gut microbiota is critical for health. A disrupted intestinal microbiota structure contributes to the formation of diseases. Targeting the gut microbiota with probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics can potentially strengthen the immune system while also reducing the risk of disease. “Yoghurt, kefir and sauerkraut are probiotics that you can easily add to your diet.”