The immune system, the body’s natural defense mechanism, is crucial for its optimal functioning. Dr. Luigi Gratton, Vice President of Health and Wellness Chair at Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board, emphasizes the importance of nutrition in immune system performance. Poor diets, high in processed sugars and saturated fats, and low in essential nutrients, weaken the body’s immune response, slow recovery, and can lead to chronic conditions like obesity and metabolic disease, which directly compromise immune strength.
This isn’t just theory—it’s an urgent reality. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2025, 38% of Filipino adults now have a high Body Mass Index or BMI. By 2030, the number of adults living with obesity is expected to rise to over 34 million. These figures highlight a growing health crisis—one that underscores the urgent need to strengthen immune health through better nutrition.
“Your immune system is a complex, intelligent network that doesn’t just react to illness – it works proactively to prevent it. It’s made up of billions of specialized cells, each playing a unique role, including identifying threats, fighting infections, and repairing damage,” said Dr. Gratton.
He further added that this army of cells can’t operate without the right fuel. That’s where nutrition comes in. To stay strong and responsive, your immune system relies on a consistent supply of nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based antioxidants. Protein helps build and repair immune cells. Omega-3 fats help manage inflammation. Fiber supports gut health, which is closely linked to immune function. Essential micronutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and minerals like zinc and magnesium all play vital roles in keeping your body in balance.
We’ve seen how long-term nutrient deficiencies can have widespread health effects. For example, vitamin A deficiency became such a significant issue in many developing countries that the World Health Organization recommended universal supplementation—an intervention the World Bank called one of the most cost-effective in global health.
“Whether it’s vitamins, minerals, protein, or plant-based antioxidants, your body needs a consistent, balanced intake of these nutrients to support your immune system and keep it doing what it does best, which is to defend your health, every single day,” concluded Dr. Gratton.
To support Filipinos on their daily wellness and help maintain their body’s natural defense, Herbalife will be launching ImmuLift in the Philippines.
