You need your immune system more than ever before, during crises such as the dreaded COVID-19 global pandemic. And a well-functioning immune system could be one of your best fighting chances against the coronavirus.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to boosting your immune system, so this article will shed light on what you could do to improve your immunity against a pandemic. Here are six ways to boost your immune system during the pandemic:
1. Eat Mostly Plants And Not Too Much
It’s believed that the food you eat has a huge bearing on your health. Experts say most of the immune system is in the lining of the intestines, so you have to be careful about what you eat. To promote healthy gut bacteria, it’s encouraged to eat a diet consisting of whole grains and lots of fiber.
Eating a balanced diet packed with vitamin- and mineral-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean meats is also believed to enhance the immune system. Fruits such as oranges contain high levels of vitamin C, which is believed to help boost the immune system. You could also visit ameolife.com and other such websites for tips on which supplements you could also try to bolster your immunity.
2. Drink Water
It can be quite tempting to down an extra glass on top of the recommended maximum of one to two drinks per day. But too much alcohol has been said to hinder the growth of your immune system. If you’re thirsty, drink water instead.
Drinking water is said to be a great way of boosting your immune system. Water is believed to help carry oxygen to all your body parts through blood. It’s also believed to help flush out toxins through sweat and urine. The body is believed to be 70% water, so when you drink enough of it, you get your body systems to function properly and you strengthen it against infections.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking can be fun, but it comes with several undesirable side effects––some of which can be fatal. Habitual smokers are said to be at greater risk of damaging their lungs, which really need to be strong and healthy to help fight different viruses.
When you quit smoking, you could improve your circulation, increase your oxygen levels, and ultimately boost your immune system, fending off viral and bacterial infections.
COVID-19 is reported to cause the blockage of the air sacs in the lungs. If you’re a smoker, you increase the chances of being badly attacked in the lungs by viruses like the flu and coronaviruses. Most importantly, when you quit smoking, you could significantly reduce your risk of lung cancer.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Sleeping is a big deal when it comes to boosting your immune system. It’s believed that when you get enough sleep, you allow your body to rejuvenate and reset itself in preparation for a new day. When you’re sleeping, your body is said to be repairing damaged cells and reenergizing itself, thereby strengthening your immune system.
Sleep has been associated with stress reduction and general health. Experts encourage at least six hours of continuous sleep per day for a well-balanced lifestyle and stronger immune system.
5. Get Regular Exercise
Start exercising. If you’ve already started, don’t stop. Exercise has been linked to an improved immune system and general well-being. Some studies have shown that people who exercise regularly tend to get sick much less than those who don’t.
When you exercise, it’s believed that you reduce your stress levels, improve your blood circulation, reduce your cholesterol levels, and ultimately boost your immunity against common illnesses like colds and flu. If your body is accustomed to exercise, your resilience against conditions like hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and COVID-19 is said to be better than that of people who live sedentary lifestyles.
6. Find Time To Relieve Stress
It can be easy to be stressed out in the wake of a pandemic but don’t fret if you can help it. Try not to stress about the things you can’t change. They say anxiety and stress could lead to the deterioration of your health. Experts believe you’re more prone to conditions like hypertension, asthma, obesity, diabetes, headaches, and depression if you stress too much. Do the best you can to stay safe. Smile more and worry less.
Conclusion
You need to take your immune system seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there’s no single way to boost your immune system. Like any other health story, boosting your immunity against illnesses is essentially about living a healthy lifestyle. From the moment you wake up to the time you tuck into bed, you have to be mindful about building your immune system.
They say a healthy lifestyle is something you perfect over time, not overnight. Take one step at a time—eat right, live right, and get enough rest.