Can you “boost” your immunity?

Scientifically, no. While there’s some evidence that your requirement for vitamin C goes up when you’re fighting an infection, Dr Macciochi points out that it’s easy to get from a balanced diet, so you shouldn’t need to supplement it further. In fact, overreacting (read: chugging a litre of OJ at the first sign of a cold) is the opposite of how you should be thinking about immunity. “We need to avoid looking at our immune systems as something we can ‘boost’,” she explains. Interestingly, doctors suspect an over-exuberant immune response – known as a “cytokine storm” – could explain persistent inflammation in multiple organs, including the lungs, long after exposure to COVID-19. As for what you can do to keep your immune system in fine form, it’s all about good nutrition, a decent stretch of shut-eye each night and keeping your stress levels in check. “There’s nothing that can make you invincible,” cautions Dr Macciochi. “But a consistently good approach to diet and lifestyle will mean your immune system will work at its best.” Looking to make some changes? These are the shifts worth making...