Can the KETO DIET(KD) help fight the flu??
Keto diet may help fight the flu
Keto diet is a high fat,low carbs diet that may help ward off the flu virus. A study conducted in 2019 indicated that a ketogenic diet containing high fat and low carbs protected mice from lethal influenza A virus( IAV).
What is influenza A virus(IAV)??
- Influenza A is a highly contagious respiratory virus
- More serious infection than type B and C
- Major source of human morbidity and mortality
- It can infect animals, birds and pigs other than humans.
What are the symptoms of Influenza A virus??
- Sneezing
- Running and stuffy nose
- Chills and fever
- Feeling tired
- Weakness
- Sore throat and cough
- Headache and muscle aches
In people who are already immuno compromised it can lead to pneumonia.
What is the treatment and prevention for Influenza A??
If you are infected:
- Stay home and get plenty of rest
- Cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing
If you are around a sick person:
- Regularly clean the surfaces with disinfectant
- Avoid direct contact with person and surfaces
If you face complications and want to work around people get a yearly vaccine.
Is Vaccine available for Influenza A virus??
- Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine :
It provides active immunization to the person ages 6 months and older.
- AFLURIA:
Manufactured by CSL
In absence of vaccine metabolic adaptation through energy substrates is required for host survival.Keto diet is beneficial in this regard being a substrate that aids in metabolic adaptation for survival.
How keto diet helps cope with Influenza A Virus?
In a study published in Journal of Science Immunology mice were fed with ketogenic diet.The mice fed with KD were better able to fight against Influenza virus than mice fed with diet high in carbohydrates. Moreover, they have better Growth and survival rate than mice fed with a normal chow diet without KD.The KD-mice were able to maintain higher oxygen saturation.
This observed protection IN KD-fed mice was associated with
- Improved antiviral resistance: Virus titre was lower
- Enrichment in T cell activation pathways
- Significant increases in the frequencies and absolute numbers of T cells in the lungs
- Neonatal Influenza protection was mediated by IL-17-producing T cells inducing innate lymphoid type 2 response that controls pulmonary bacterial infection
This study concluded that the ketone bodies produced as a result of burning fat act as a fuel for immune system to beat flu.Hence, KD-mediated immune-metabolic integration represents a viable step forward preventing or alleviating influenza disease.
Take away message:
The successful defence against an invading pathogen requires innate and acquired immune response and components to coordinate.There are many natural substances that can promote and boost immunity and are still needed to be explored.