Sarah’s surgery
It’s never felt more important to stop germs spreading, but how can we do that? Dr Sarah Brewer explains…
Dr Sarah on beating germs
In light of the coronavirus, we are all much more aware of germs and how diseases spread. With the amount of travelling we do, this mass transmission of illnesses could become more and more likely. So, what can we do to keep ourselves as safe as possible?
QWhat are germs and are they all dangerous?
A‘Germs’ is the collective term for tiny microorganisms (microbes) that have the potential to cause illness. These include bacteria and viruses, which lurk in the air and are on just about every surface, including your body. Most germs won’t harm you. Stomach acid tackles many germs that you eat and the immune system protects against infectious agents that enter through the mouth and other sites, such as your respiratory system or skin wounds. However, some germs are difficult enemies because they constantly mutate to breach these defences. Knowing how germs work can increase your chances of avoiding infection.
QWhat are the best ways to boost your immunity?
AExposure to a potentially harmful germ doesn’t mean you’ll become ill. If your immune system is working well, you can often shrug off the infection and develop mild, if any, symptoms. If you’re tired, run down and malnourished or have a health condition that makes you vulnerable, it’s easier for the infection to take hold.
Eat a healthy diet. Consume fruit and veg to obtain vitamins, minerals and other protective plant substances that help boost immunity.
Get sufficient sleep. When we sleep, immune cells return to lymph nodes for new instructions on how to fight infections. Avoid cigarettes. Smoky atmospheres damage the respiratory system, making infections more likely to bypass defences. De-stress. Stress reduces the activity of immune cells.
Keep fit. Exercise helps strengthen the cardiovascular system to improve resilience. Take vitamin D. It activates macrophages, which destroy bacteria and viruses. Vitamin D is also linked to the production of antibiotic-like defensins within cells lining the respiratory tract.
Try probiotics. Most immune cells are primed in the gut lining. Probiotic bacteria, which support digestion, have been shown to discourage infections.