I seem to have lost a week in a blur of christmas parties, overflowing inboxes, overbooked clinics, carols and mince pies. And I am harbouring yet another Respiratory virus. They are persistent this year, with coughs lasting weeks. I was asked if colds last longer as you age. I can’t find any evidence this is the case. Illnesses last longer in those in poor health and at the very extremes of age but there’s no reason for differences in illness duration of 40 somethings vs 20 somethings.
Nutrition is of course a major determinant of health and immune funcion. A plant based diet is associated with a lower risk of hospitalisation in COVID-19. Plant-based diets provide micronutrients, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate; trace elements, including zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, and copper; and the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which play vital, often synergistic roles at every stage of the immune response. Plant-based diets are also anti-inflammatory, and support a healthy microbiome. There is little data on diet pattern and viral illnesses other then COVID-19, an area that needs further study. Despite having grumbling illnesses for weeks I’ve not had a single day off work. I’m convinced it’s the plants!
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drlj 