The importance of immunity has grown multi-fold for everyone since the world has been gripped by corona virus since last year. Corona virus made people much more mindful of their health. Never before was immunity discussed so much out in the public from an awareness perspective and the role it plays in preventing critical health conditions. To manage better immunity levels, our overall focus must switch to being preventive rather than reaching the levels of being prescriptive in the coming future. It is therefore crucial to strengthen one’s immunity, especially, after experts across the world reiterated time and again that the weakened immune systems are more prone to any disease condition and can increase the severity of already existing diseases.

A weak immune system can be easily identified when a person experiences constant fatigue, suffer from frequent cold and infections. In some cases, the person may witness severe symptoms including blood disorders, skin rashes, organ inflammations and related tissues, digestive system problems, slow healing of wounds to name a few. In fact, experts also said that high stress level could add up to a weak immune system.

Dr. Sanchayan Roy, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine and Critical Care, National Heart Institute, New Delhi said, “In the current scenario amidst all the stress, the biggest challenge has been meeting the nutritional requirements. This is very crucial to understand since every member in a family has different metabolism, different medical history, and also different immunity levels according to their age and dietary needs. Not many people understand this. We have heard from many patients who brought our attention to concerns related to limited access to fresh foods or lack of time in cooking up healthy meals. In such scenarios, people overconsume processed food, which in any condition is bad for one’s health and immunity. It is utmost important to give a lot of attention to daily intake of proper diet that can fulfil the body’s nutritional need and contribute towards boosting immunity as they help in strengthening our immune system.”

Of the many micronutrients, Vitamins and especially Vitamin C (scientifically known as ascorbic acid) is essential in strengthening the immune system. This vitamin is a water-soluble vitamin that is known to exert a multitude of beneficial effects on cellular functions to maintain and develop a healthy immune system.

“However, unlike most mammals and other animals, humans do not have the ability to synthesize vitamin C and must obtain it from daily diet, through food and other supplements, for it to have the required effect in the body. Sources of Vitamin C in the diet can be found through citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and potatoes. One must also add beetroot juice and beetroot salad to their diet to absorb Vitamin C.” shared Dr. Roy.

Irregular or inadequate intake of Vitamin C can have severe repercussions such as scurvy. Inadequate intake can lead to anaemia, easy bruising, swelling, mood changes and depression. Symptoms of lack of vitamin C in the body beings to appear after 8 to 12 weeks. However, some of the early signs include loss of appetite, weight loss, tiredness, and irritability.

“In situations when somebody is not able to consume a rich source of Vitamin C through fruits and vegetables, are advised to consume it in supplementation form. Vitamin C supplements are available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, gummies, and effervescent tablets for people who may not be able to get it from the foods they eat every day” Dr. Naveen Parkash Gupta, Senior Neonatologist and Pediatrician, Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Delhi.