Obese people have a vulnerable immune system which triggers several health issues. Vaibhav Garg shares tips that may help keep your weight under check
We have all heard about co-morbidities (the state of having multiple health conditions at the same time) being primarily responsible for the high number of COVID deaths, so if you are reading this and know someone who can benefit from knowing how excess weight and immunity are linked, make sure they read this. Knowing the scientific facts and how natural remedies actually form the basis for warding off deadly infections should be the primary objective in every household today! A disciplined routine, nutritious diet, quality exercise & sleep and your daily vitamins and plant based natural supplements — this is the real recipe and secret to a long and healthy life!
Speaking of which, weight gain and obesity are matter of serious concern among people in the developing world. Obese people are more prone to having a poor immune system which in turn leads to an array of health problems like diabetes, hypertension (elevated blood pressure), heart problems, PCOD and even cancer. If you thought the Coronavirus was the real pandemic, think again!
Our immune system is very sensitive to lifestyle & nutritional changes as they directly affect the gut flora (gut microbiome) and hormone/enzyme activity. A little imbalance can cause a negative immune response. Oxidative stress (as a result of poor eating, a sedentary lifestyle,or even over exercising) can result in weight gain as the stress hormone cortisol dominates. Excess fat results in malfunctioning of the insulin hormone, disrupts the functioning of the sex hormones testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone, basically causing an overall breakdown.
It has been established that the severity of infectious diseases of a particular type are present more in an obese body than a non-obese body. Reason being that fewer antibodies are present inside an obese body which results in weaker immunity as it cannot provide full protection from the viruses.
Now that this has been established, some words of wisdom will help you in deciphering the code to having a healthy immune system. First and foremost, you do not need a protein rich diet, but a diet rich in fibre. Yes, all the colourful fruits and vegetables you see out there are full of natural anti-oxidants, anti-cancer and medicinal qualities. Ditch the potato and opt for more colour — remember, more colour means more nutrients! Oh and remember, these fibre rich foods are the real food for the healthy/good bacteria living in your gut!
Secondly, fats are not bad for you, they are actually essential for proper heart and brain function. You just need to know which fats to consume and where to get them from. Think Omega 3! Ideal sources of Omega 3 are those sourced from foods like nuts and seeds like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. And lastly, avocados and olive oil are not the real super foods meant for us. We have the locally grown and acquired coconut and desi ghee or rice bran oil. Our DNA is more in sync with these super foods. They are rich in natural healthy fatty acids, have great anti-oxidant properties and can alkalise your body.
The writer is Clinical and Sports Nutritionist, Founder — Purecise
