Your immune system works around the clock to protect you from illness. Think of it as your body’s personal security team—on constant patrol, defending you from viruses, bacteria, and other health threats. But just like any hardworking team, it needs the right fuel to perform at its best.

Dr. Luigi Gratton, Vice President and Chair of the Office of Health and Wellness at the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board, emphasizes that nutrition plays a major role in immune health. If your diet is high in processed sugars and saturated fats, and low in essential nutrients, your immune system becomes less effective. Not only does this weaken your body’s defenses, but it also slows down recovery when you do get sick.

Over time, poor eating habits can lead to chronic conditions like obesity and metabolic disease—both of which can seriously compromise your immune response.

A Wake-Up Call for Filipinos

This isn’t just a distant concern—it’s happening right here, right now. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2025, 38% of Filipino adults already have a high Body Mass Index (BMI). By 2030, more than 34 million adults in the country are expected to be living with obesity.

These numbers signal more than just a rise in weight—they reveal a growing health crisis. And it’s one that highlights how critical it is to support our immune systems with proper nutrition.

Your Immune System: More Than Just a Defense

“Your immune system is a complex, intelligent network. It doesn’t just react to sickness—it actively works to prevent it,” explains Dr. Gratton. “It’s made up of billions of specialized cells that identify threats, fight infections, and repair damage.”

But for this defense network to function properly, it needs consistent nourishment. That’s where good nutrition steps in.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrients your immune system depends on:

• Protein – Builds and repairs immune cells

• Omega-3 fatty acids – Help manage inflammation

• Fiber – Supports a healthy gut, which plays a big role in immunity

• Vitamins A, C, D – Strengthen overall immune function

• Zinc and magnesium – Keep the system balanced and responsive

• Plant-based antioxidants – Help fight off harmful free radicals

The Long-Term Impact of Nutrient Deficiency

We’ve seen the real-world effects of poor nutrition. Take vitamin A deficiency, for instance. It became so widespread in many developing nations that the World Health Organization recommended universal supplementation. The World Bank even called it one of the most cost-effective health interventions ever implemented.

Whether it’s a lack of vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants, long-term nutrient deficiencies can seriously weaken your immune system. And unfortunately, many people don’t realize this until illness strikes.

As Dr. Gratton puts it, “Your body needs a consistent, balanced intake of nutrients to keep your immune system doing what it does best—protecting your health, every single day.”

Introducing ImmuLift: Your Daily Immune Support

To help Filipinos stay on top of their health and support their body’s natural defenses, Herbalife is launching ImmuLift in the Philippines—a daily wellness solution specially designed to nourish and strengthen the immune system from within.

Because at the end of the day, staying well starts with how we fuel our bodies.