BOOSTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Coronavirus, (COVID-19), is making people think about boosting the immune system. And they are right, we need our bodies to be strong and protected to fight this virus. There are lots of recommendations out there about boosting the immune system. However, we do not know yet, how to fully prevent or even manage the damage caused by Coronavirus.
SO, HOW CAN WE DO THIS?
Our immune system is our first line of defence against, bacteria, viruses, and other intruders. We can strengthen our defences by living a healthy lifestyle.
If you are older or have an underlying health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you are more at risk of severe symptoms, so the recommendation is to take every precaution to protect yourself.
For younger and healthier people, the risk of complications is much lower. It is also possible to contract the virus without showing any symptoms. That is why, maintaining good hygiene and practicing social isolation are crucial to avoid spreading the virus to high-risk people.
WHAT STRATEGIES CAN WE USE?
There are many immune-strengthening strategies we can use. Here are some to get you started:
- Eat a healthy balanced diet – A diet that is high in fruit and vegetables, eat a rainbow, with a variety of different colours which will boost your nutrients through a range of vitamins and minerals. Do not exclude any food groups, they all provide their portion of protection.
- Exercise regularly – The recommendation is 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise. This can include anything from walking, swimming, running to other forms of exercise such as yoga or NEAT. (More about NEAT, in a further blog post).
- Get quality sleep – Most of us underestimate the power of a rested body to develop good coping mechanisms. Mechanism, including those that help you handle stress such as being outside in nature, practicing meditation, connecting with others, exercising or other hobbies.
- Reduce stress – We can include activities in our daily life that help us reduce stress such as connecting with loved ones. Most of us are having to use technology such as video calling right now, while we go through these challenging times. Yoga and meditation are practices that can also help.
- Drink alcohol in moderation – Limit the number of glasses/ bottles you drink and reduce the number of days a week you consume alcohol. Drink alcohol away from your meals to allow the nutrients in the food to be digested.
- Quit smoking – You can get support from the NHS to give up smoking.
- Take steps to prevent infection – Practice social distancing, washing your hands and wearing a mask when you are outdoors.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT
To support the above lifestyle behaviour strategies, you can use a series of supplements to keep your immune system functioning at its best. If you are on medication, consult your doctor before you take anything non-prescribed.
- Vitamin C – May help with viral and bacterial infections. It helps by shortening the duration and even prevention of colds and it can also act as a natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine.
- Vitamin A – It can support the body’s ability to fight infections, especially respiratory infections.
- Vitamin D – One of the most important immune strengthening nutrients that can reduce colds and flu. It should be taken regularly as natural vitamin D which we get from the sun, is not always available specially for us in the UK.
- Zinc – It can help to reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold if taken within 24 hours of onset.
- Garlic – Garlic can reduce the severity of respiratory infections and can prevent viral infections of the common cold.
- Probiotics – They contain “Good Bacteria” that supports your gut health and the function of the immune system.
These supplements are suggestions and although more research needs to be done, you can try them but consult with your health care provider and take them as recommended by your doctor.
If you want or need any help or learn more about boosting the immune system through diet and lifestyle behaviour recommendations, contact me NOW.
