Before we dive into how to maintain robust immunity in athletes, let’s do a quick recap on how our immune system works.
The immune system is a busy network throughout our entire body including cells, vessels, lymphoid tissue, nodes, nodules, bone marrow and organs.
Bone marrow is where millions of new blood cells are produced every day. Bone marrow also serves as the site where cells are stored and matured before they enter the circulatory system.
Our immune system would not be complete without the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) – and Peyer’s patches in the small intestine. Nearly 80% of our immune system is actually based in the digestive tract.
The thymus gland is a small gland known as the “seat of courage” and is located behind the breastbone. Our thymus helps regulate the immune system and is a storage tank for immune cells such as lymphocytes and monocytes responsible for eradicating viruses.
Our spleen is an oval shaped mass of lymphatic tissue which acts as a large blood filter. It recycles iron, captures and destroys pathogens and initiates the maturation and release of immune system when the body requires it (e.g. to fight infections).
Our lymph nodes act as a filtering system for the clear fluid called lymph which contains waste and immune cells. The lymphatic vessels act as the super highway carrying lymph between the 600 lymph nodes in our body located in our limbs, armpits, abdomen and groin.
Lymphatic nodules also contain lymphatic tissue and are positioned on mucous membranes in our respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract, tonsils and adenoids.
The immune system has many lines of defence.
Our immune system is equipped with a multi-tiered response approach. A healthy immune system is always ready (24-7) to battle with foreign invaders.
The immune system includes our first line of defence which acts like the bouncers of your body deciding what can come in and what can’t such as the skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract and secretions like mucous, acidic vaginal secretions, bile, gastric acid (HCL), saliva, tears, and sweat.
The next line of defence kicks in when the bouncers have gone on a smoko and a pathogen is detected by the body. This part of our system also houses our infection-fighting cells such as our natural killer cells and phagocytes which act like Pac-men against microbial invaders. Our immune system also releases antimicrobial proteins such as complement and interferon which interfere with virus replication and protein which co-ordinate cell-to-cell communication. This part of the system deals with viruses, fungi, parasites etc.
Our immune system also keeps a record of every germ it has ever defeated so it can recognise and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again.
Maximise what’s needed for robust immunity in athletes
In addition to enjoying a balanced wholefoods diet containing real foods rich in colour and vitality colourful rainbow on your plate, there are key foods to include in your diet you want to enhance your immune system.
The big guns
Vitamin C builds resistance to infection and stimulates immune cells and proteins such as interferon which help eradicate viruses. Vitamin C rich foods include veggies such as red capsicum, spinach, parsley and sweet potato. Fruits such as kiwi, berries, paw paw, pineapple citrus, guava, broccoli, mango, and currants are great sources of vitamin C. Rosehip, Camu Camu, and Kakadu plum provide concentrated forms of vitamin C and can be found in powdered forms such as Wild C.
To optimise absorption vitamin C is best ingested with bioflavonoids. Lots of foods rich in vitamin C also contain bioflavonoids but they can also be found in celery, garlic, red onions, garlic, grapes, apricots and green tea. In some circumstances, it is beneficial to supplement vitamin C. Vitamin may cause gastric upset in large doses. Dividing the doses throughout the day can reduce the side effects.
Zinc is responsible for supporting immune cell production and proliferation which fight off infections such as viruses. Common deficiency signs may include frequent colds, extended recovery periods, poor wound healing, low stomach acid changes in smell or taste and white spots on nails.
Zinc is lost through perspiration and displaced when other nutrients such as iron and copper are high as they share a common carrier in the body. Zinc supplementation should be under the guidance of a qualified practitioner to get the right dose and timing correct because high doses can impact other nutrients ( iron and copper) which may then contribute to immune dysfunction.
Foods rich in zinc include pumpkin seeds, fresh local seafood shellfish and oysters, tahini, peanuts, liver, eggs, nuts and seeds and legumes. Just remember to soak or sprout legumes, nuts and seeds to break down the phytates that may bind to zinc and reduce zinc’s bio-availability.
Obtaining adequate protein will supply the amino acids for antibodies and immune protein production.
Keeping well hydrated is also important for our first line of defence. Ginger and lemon drinks are a great alternative to water.
Immune modulators
Vitamin D, A, E and selenium are important antioxidants, immune modulators and help maintain healthy mucus membranes. Exposing your unprotected skin to direct sunshine for 15-20 minutes daily will help boost vitamin D levels. Vitamin A-rich foods include cod liver oil, orange coloured foods such as carrots, sweet potato and apricots and kohlrabi. Vitamin E is found in nuts and seeds (such as sunflower seeds), eggs, and dark green leafy vegetables. Selenium is rich in Brazil nuts, alfalfa, meat eggs, onion, garlic and broccoli.
Shiitake and reishi mushrooms and green tea are also supportive of the immune system and build robust immunity in athletes.
Look after your gut health with pre and probiotic rich foods (think fibre and fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, tempeh, kombucha, and quality yogurt). Choline found in lecithin from soy, eggs, beef, pork, olives, and broccoli, assists with the formation of the mucosal layer in the respiratory system and gut.
Include herbs and spices in your cooking that support healthy immune responses. Turmeric, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Cayenne peppers, garlic, horseradish, parsley, garlic, onions, oregano and thyme are all good choices.
What to avoid for robust immunity in athletes
Avoid substances that reduce immune system function.
1. Studies show sugar reduces the capacity of white blood cells within 1 hour of consumption and can last for up to 5 hours afterwards. Sugar can also feed some pathogens. Skip the middle isles of a supermarket where the processed foods are and spend more time selecting fresh foods.
2. Avoid too much caffeine or other stimulants that will stress our nervous system, impact on sleep but also deplete stores of zinc, and magnesium which we need in times of stress.
3. Avoid excessive alcohol and it may also suppress the immune system.
4. Avoid late nights binging on Netflix and obtain adequate sleep. This means at least 8 hours per night ideally hitting the pillow before 10pm. Sleep deprivation can increase your risk of picking up infections and reduce robust immunity in athletes.
5. Avoid or minimise unnecessary stress. Focus on what you can control and let go of the rest. Your mindset matters in times of stress and unpredictability. Be as flexible as you can with everything including your training, work, family and routine. Stress heightens cortisol which in turn smashes your infection-fighting cells. Consider ways of dispelling stress other than more exercise such as meditation, mindfulness, relaxing activities such as reading or creative activities and watching comedies rather than more bad news stories.
6. Avoid over-exercising. Keep your exercise balanced. Robust immunity in athletes requires regular exercise, however moderation is the key. Too much exercise of long duration and intensity can make athletes more susceptible to respiratory infections. For more information on exercise and its impact on the immune system click here
For further information on the suitability of these measures for your particular situation, contact us for an individual assessment.
About the Author: Kate Smyth is a Sports naturopath, nutritionist and female-centric running coach. She is the founder of the Athlete Sanctuary- a holistic healthcare clinic for athletes of all levels and sporting codes. Kate has a thirst for knowledge with two bachelor’s and a master’s degree under her belt. She has been involved in sports for many decades and competed for Australia in the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games marathons with a personal best time of 2 hours 28 minutes. For more information visit www.athletesanctuary.com.au
