An article in The Straits Times dated October 1, 2021 – Studies on cell function, why some people may be resistant to virus.
This is actually a scary π and yet interesting read..
The list for Long Covid seems to be getting longer and longer. Other than the known possible symptoms of shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, joint pain and early signs of dementia, this article mentions an even scarier finding – The virus not only can impair cells’ activities, but CHANGE THEIR FUNCTION.
An example stated that when the pancreas is infected by the virus, not only the pancreas will produce less insulin than usual, but also started to produce glucose and digestive enzymes when these ain’t their job! Scientists called this ‘a change of cell fate‘.
As of current, it is not clear whether the change will be long-lasting. Some Covid-19 survivors have indeed developed diabetes shortly after infection.
But the article also mentions that SOME people are RESISTANT to the virus! The article suggests that it could be due to more efficient activation of natural killer (NK) cells – “When NKs are correctly activated, they are able to recognise and destroy infected cells, preventing the disease from developing.”.
NK Cells are our immune cells. They seek and destroy pathogens. These are what Dr Jau-Fei Chen been emphasising. Nourish our immune cells well and they will be the best doctor to help us defense.
Nutritional Immunology advocates that we should nourish our immune system with healthy plant foods rich in phytochemicals, antioxidants and polysaccharides.