Scientist on the superfoods that will help you stay safe

Scientist on why her latest lifestyle advice could not be better-timed as Scots prepare for a little taste of freedom

It is, as they say, all about timing but when scientist Jenna Macciochi wrote her new book explaining how we can stay well by boosting our immune system, she could never have imagined the world was about to be engulfed by Covid-19.

Published days before Britain locked down, the expert immunologist’s advice now seems more important than ever as regulations begin to be relaxed.

While it won’t provide an impenetrable shield against coronavirus, Jenna believes fortifying our immune system can help give our bodies a fighting chance. “With our normal routines on hold, this is a good time to reflect on how our work and lifestyle are serving us and the changes we can make for better health,” she said.

“This is especially important now, as people with underlying health conditions or unhealthy lifestyles have often ended up with a worse case of Covid-19.” Jenna, who is from Ayrshire and a lecturer in immunology at the University of Sussex, has spent two decades studying immunology for her latest book, Immunity: The Science of Staying Well. “I could never have imagined we’d be in the middle of a pandemic when my book was released but it’s definitely got people interested in immunity,” said Jenna. “I see a lot of pseudoscience being peddled online but the simple answer is that nothing can make us invincible against this virus. “In terms of protecting ourselves, nothing stands up to following the guidelines around social distancing and good hygiene practices, and keeping as healthy as possible.”

Jenna explains why C-19 has affected people differently, making it even more difficult to tackle internationally. “Genetically, we have an inherent diversity within our immune systems as a population. Having Covid-19 globally put under the microscope has emphasised this. “When we look at all infections, there is a huge spectrum of how people respond. For some, it can be fatal but others may have a milder version.

“This is down to genetics – if we all reacted to the same infection, in the same way, our species would die out. On top of that, other factors like diet and lifestyle can make us more or less susceptible to infections and affect how we fare when we do get sick.” She says fresh fruit and vegetables, daily exercise, a good night’s sleep and boosting vitamin D is key to safeguarding our immune systems against viruses and respiratory infections.

A mum to five-year-old twins Luca and Bella, Jenna has taken every precaution to protect her family. “Since we were in strict lockdown, we’ve followed government guidelines. Making sure only one parent goes to the supermarket, the kids haven’t seen their grandparents, who are over 70 and shielding, or their friends, except on video calls.

“We go for a walk around our local park in Brighton every morning or take the kids out on their bikes for a breath fresh air. It’s taught them that exercise is important. “Being working parents has been quite hard but time saved commuting is now spent making healthy meals with the kids. Eating together as a family has been a real luxury. The positive emotions and endorphins simple pleasures like this create are actually important for our immune system. “Our immune system cells have receptors specifically for those endorphins, so taking the time to enjoy something like a family meal actually does wonders for your health.”