The increasing number of coronavirus cases have created a situation of panic amongst everyone. The markets are already out of stock for masks and sanitizers, as people are crazily stocking upon them.
While it is good to take precaution, but did you know that fear is the fastest and the most effective way to decrease your immunity. So, take all the precautions you feel will help you stay safe, but you need to be able to feel fearless at the end of the day.
Despite eating well, washing your hands frequently, sleeping properly, are you in a constant state of panic and fear about catching the virus? Well, you are doing nothing but inviting the infection upon yourself.
To put it in simple words, fear is one thing that can lower your immunity and make you susceptible to the deadly virus.
Also read: 19 FAQs on Coronavirus: must read
Here is how fear, panic and fear can lower your immunity:
Immune system
Immune system is a collection of billions of cells that travel through the bloodstream. These cells move in and out of the tissues and organs, defending your body against foreign bodies, like bacteria, viruses and cancerous cells.
The two types of immune cells (lymphocytes) are:
— B cells: These produce antibodies that are released into the fluid surrounding the body’s cells to destroy the invading bacteria and viruses.
—T cells: They see the picture, opposite. If the invader gets inside a cell, these cells lock on to the infected cell, multiply and destroy it.
What stress hormones do?
The stress hormones, the corticosteroid, can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (lowers the number of lymphocytes). The suppressed immune system as we know is the easiest way to fall sick.
Not just this, stress can also have an indirect effect on the immune system as many people use unhealthy behavioural coping strategies to reduce their stress, such as drinking and smoking.
Stress is linked to headaches, infections (flu), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma and gastric ulcers. It also affects the immune system by raising the blood pressure.
Eating sugar and ultra-processed foods can increase inflammation and suppress your immune function. So, take all the necessary precautions and do not panic.
