Immune Education Series: It's the SOIL, Not the SEED

​The covid-19 / coronavirus pandemic has illustrated more clearly than previous outbreaks the difference in individual susceptibility to infection. Why are some individuals more susceptible and how can we improve our resistance?

illustration by Aaron McMichael, DC

A Story of Two Seeds

Consider an example of identical seeds. One lands on fertile, nutrient-rich soil with ample sunlight and moisture. Another seed lands on rocky, dry soil in the shade. The first seed, in a nurturing environment, grows into a strong and healthy plant. The second seed struggles to grow. This seed must work harder, developing a spindly stem at odd angles trying to reach sunlight and the roots stretch to find adequate soil for nutrition and anchorage against the winds.

Now what happens when one bug attacks these two plants? The healthy plant can mount a robust defense, producing more bitter phytochemicals to repel the bug and then quickly repair any damage. The already stressed and unhealthy second plant is too weak to defend itself and the same bug ends up killing it.
Why was the second seed killed by the same bug that hardly affected the first plant? It was not a difference of genetics. The seeds were identical. It was a difference of resistance that resulted from the health of the surrounding environment. The same idea can be applied to human infections.

The Coronavirus Story

We have heard about the susceptibility of the elderly to coronavirus, with the CDC reporting those over age 64 account for 80% of deaths. The next highest risk population is not those with immune-weakening genetic diseases. It appears to be those who are obese. Obesity doubles the risk of hospitalization for anyone under age 60. More broadly, those with metabolic disorders like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol are at risk.

Now compare this to our seeds. Your body is the environment that coronavirus comes across. Is your body weak and unhealthy, with little defense against infection? Or is your body strong and ready to battle an invader?

How Can We Reduce Our Susceptibility?
​
Our genetics plays a much smaller role in health than our habits. Good habits create health. Your best chance of fighting off an infection is to be healthy in the first place, with an immune system ready to do its job. If you have been up late, sitting around the house, stressing out and eating junk, your body is in no shape to fight. It is already busy fighting to recover from your bad habits. Like the seed, you need to be watered. You need adequate sunshine, good nutrition, and low stress. Care for yourself like a young and tender plant (and do not forget to water your kids as well).

---