The Ebola virus itself is not the one that wreaks havoc to your body, causing it to deteriorate over time: It is your immune system.
According to NPR, when you look closely at how the Ebola virus infection works, it is not the virus itself that attacks the body and poisons it on the spot. Its prime target is the immune system.
The Ebola virus pummels the immune system with a cytokine storm, prompting it to activate at dangerously high levels to combat the infection. In this suicide mode, the body's immune system does more harm than good. It may succeed in disabling the virus, but in the process, it also damages the blood vessels.
Channel's Television shared critical information from Dr. Deborah Ehichioya, a medical virologist, about how the virus works and how people can help avoid being contaminated.
In a nutshell, Dr. Ehichioya endorsed early detection and constant vigilance as keys to battling the infection even before it starts. She advised people to work on keeping their immune system strong because a weakened one could leave them highly susceptible to it.
Web MD reveals three of the basic tips in keeping the immune system function at par.
1. Get enough sleep.
Seven up to nine hours of relaxing shuteye works well to keep the body recharged and functioning well. People who do not get enough sleep are at risk of getting ill faster than those who do. The body responds to the lack of rest by activating higher levels of stress hormone. Experts say that this could cause more inflammations.
2. Get sufficient exercise.
Daily 30-minute exercise does wonders to boost the immune system's function while keeping depression at bay. Also, it helps you sleep better, which triples its advantages.
3. Stay on a healthy diet.
ood plays a critical role in boosting your immune system. Load up on vitamins C and E, as well as minerals beta-carotene and zinc. Eating more natural produce such as fruits and veggies does the trick. Also, certain varieties of mushroom like reishi, shitake and maitake can help strengthen it.
