IMMUNITY BOOSTERS

HOW you can improve your immunity. This week: Sex A FAMOUS study in 1999 found that people who were having sex once or twice a week had 30 per cent higher levels of the immune protein IGA — an antibody that normally patrols the mucus membranes in the mouth, nose and throat to fight invaders — compared with people having less sex. The researchers theorised that intercourse exposes people to extra germs which give the immune system a workout.

Meanwhile, a 2015 study by Indiana University found that in the follicular part of the menstrual cycle (when the ovaries mature to release an egg), sexually active women produce more T cells, which defend against viruses.

This is thought to be an attempt to boost general health in case conception occurs.