Build Your Body to Resist Infection

DISCLAIMER: The information and advice in this article are not intended to diagnose or treat Covid-19 or any other illness. Prairie Naturopathic Doctors and any affiliates mentioned within this article are to be held harmless for any and all results obtained by following the recommendations herein.

In case we need any more motivation to maintain healthy weight levels, we can go ahead and add the Covid-19 virus to our list.

Studies continue to support the initial speculation that severe obesity is a significant risk factor for long-lasting adverse outcomes to the Covid-19 virus—including mortality. According to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, this is the case specifically in men and younger patients. Looking at the subjects at 21 days post-COVID-19 diagnosis, the researchers discovered a J-shaped association between patients’ BMI and their risk of death from complications of Covid-19—even after removing the overlapping data caused by multiple obesity-related diseases or medical conditions. (The most predominant of these underlying conditions included hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and asthma.) Severe obesity, especially among the younger patients, “eclipses the mortality risk posed by other obesity-related conditions, such as a history of myocardial infarction, diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia, [which] suggests a significant pathophysiologic link between excess adiposity and severe Covid-19 illness” (Tartof, Qian, Hong, et al. 2020). The higher the body mass index (weight compared to height) the greater the risk for mortality from COVID-19 with those in obesity category III and obesity category IV having 2.68 and 4x the risk respectively.

So, how can you build your body to resist infection and make lifestyle changes that will lead to a healthier outcome?

The first step is to identify your personal food sensitivities: avoiding certain foods can decrease inflammation, making it easier for you to lose weight. Visit your naturopathic doctor for allergy testing, or contact our naturopathic care clinic to inquire about food sensitivity testing^mn.

Step two is to identify your nutrient deficiencies, and then determine the appropriate foods and nutrients you need in order to replenish your body. Building up your nutrition allows for better metabolic activity, thus improving fat burning and muscle rebuilding.

Next, attempt to reduce your intake of refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, which can spike your insulin levels leading to more fat accumulation. It is also helpful to reduce exposure to chemicals that contribute to weight gain (obesogens) such as Bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, atrazine, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

The proper balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids can have a positive influence on your immune system. You can schedule now at PND for an assessment of your current nutritional needs and deficiencies.

Your doctor will likely advise you to make sure you’re getting adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, and decreasing your negative stress levels as much as possible—all of which will allow your body to begin healing and helping itself along the path to wellness.

In addition to the steps you can take at home, Prairie Naturopathic Doctors offers body contouring services in the Fargo, ND area—for locals who don’t have much weight to lose, but still want to be at optimum health to look and feel their best. Lipomelt is one such option: this service helps with body contouring, without the undesirable side effects. Another option is the PND Detox Program. While not a weight loss program, per se, those who do our 3-week cleansing program have on average lost 4.3 pounds of fat. For those who have significant weight to lose Prairie Naturopathic Doctors offers a weight loss program for select patients who qualify.

Aside from boosting overall health and wellness to help combat illness and infection, healthy weight maintenance is highly recommended anyway: it increases longevity and quality of life and can uplift the mood by reducing anxiety and depression.

Please contact Prairie Naturopathic Doctors today to get your wellness journey started!

Reference

Tartof, SY, L. Qian, V. Hong, et al. “Obesity and mortality among patients diagnosed with COVID-19: results from an integrated health care organization.” Ann Intern Med. Published online August 12, 2020. DOI:10.7326/M20-3742.
Disclosure: This study was funded by Roche-Genentech.

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