S7 E8: Immune boosting facts and fallacies with Jenna Macciochi

Never before has the immune system had so much air time - but what actually is the immune system? Can it be boosted? What kind of things influence it? Does vitamin C really fight off a cold and there truth in the old wives tale - feed a cold, starve a fever?

I’m Dr Hazel Wallace, host of the food medic podcast and on this episode we are answering all those questions with immunologist and author Dr Jenna Macciochi. Jenna has a PhD in allergy immunology from Imperial College London and has previously worked in academia, pharmaceutical industry and clinical trials. Jenna currently holds a Lecturer position at the University of Sussex progressing research into understanding the science of lifestyle related disease.

This episode covers:
- What actually is the immune system?
- Factors which influence our immunity
- Can you boost your immune system with food?
- Should you feed a cold and starve a fever?
- What steps to take to recover from a cold
- Exercise and immunity
- The importance of sleep and your immune system.

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@thefoodmedic/www.thefoodmedic.co.uk