Home > Health & Nutrition

Dietary tips for boosting the immune system

Looking to maintain a strong immune system? Don't skimp on the calories

Runners are looking for ways to optimize their immune systems in the face of coronavirus. On top of keeping active, social distancing and getting lots of rest, following a good, steady diet is a great way to boost your immune system. Runners are encouraged to maintain a well-balanced diet, as always, and it’s important to remember that neither carbs, nor calories, are something they should be cutting right now—here’s why.

RELATED: Coronavirus means no more snot rockets

Don’t cut calories

Runners should try their best to refuel as much as they’re burning. Now is certainly not a time to go on a strict diet.

Research has shown that people who severely cut calories tend to get sick more frequently. According to immunology professor Elizabeth Gardner at Michigan State University, you need to feed a cold, and need to feed a flu. Her research showed that a body that’s adequately fed recovers faster and has fewer lasting effects from an illness compared to one that’s been calorically restricted.

RELATED: Carbohydrates: What you need to know about the runner’s preferred fuel

Minimize simple carbs, keep the complex

According to a study done by the Journal of Sports Sciences on elite endurance athletes, carbohydrate consumption can play an important role in minimizing exercise-induced immune issues. This happens because carbohydrates reduce the stress hormone response to exercise and provide an important fuel source for immune cells. A study that authors reference also found that Australian Olympic squad members across 11 different sports revealed a significant association between under-fueling and increased illness.

RELATED: How to support a runner through RED-S

When it comes to carbohydrates, every type has a place in a runner’s diet, but it’s important to consider the glycemic index, which refers to a range of values that indicate a food’s effect on blood sugar levels. Values typically range between 50 and 100, where foods with the highest values have the quickest and most pronounced impact on sugar levels as they are quickly digested and processed. Examples of foods with a low GI index are beans, small seeds and whole grains and most vegetables. Medium GI index foods could be whole or enriched wheat, raisins, prunes and bananas, and high GI index foods are white bread, rice, potatoes, pretzels or candy.

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

The best trainers in Canada under $150

We curated the best performance trainers under $150 to meet your 2024 running goals, while staying on budget