Immune-Boosting Journey: How Your Immune System Can Fight Against COVID-19
Nowadays, the Covid-19 pandemic remains a leading challenge around the world. Incorporating positive and healthy lifestyle habits into your life is, therefore, more important than ever.
A strong immune system is the best defence against viruses and infections.
Although a strong immune system can’t stop you from contracting COVID-19, it helps to support your body as it familiarises itself with this unknown virus in case you get sick. Moreover, keeping your immune system strong enables you to combat well-known bugs like cold and flu viruses.
Here are a few steps you should take on your immense-boosting journey:
1. Eat a well-balanced diet
Powerful immune system boosters are citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, ginger, garlic, spinach, almonds, turmeric, kiwi, papaya, etc.
It’s also important to include foods that support your microbiome and overall gut health, as 70% of the cells that make up your immune system are found in the lining of your intestine.
Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, and unsweetened yoghurt are high in probiotics, which help to support gut health.
2. Exercise
Exercise aids in flushing bacteria out of the airways and lungs, lowering the likelihood of getting a cold or flu. Regular physical activity triggers a change in antibodies and white blood cells, which are the immune system cells of the body that combat illnesses.
3. Manage your stress
The stress hormone, cortisol, decreases the activity of your immune system, increasing your risk of catching cold and flu viruses. Additionally, when you’re stressed, you’re more likely to make bad food decisions, which can negatively affect your overall health.
4. Get enough sleep
Sleep promotes the whole body’s revitalisation. Getting enough sleep enhances the immune system. Sleeping less than six hours can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of heart disease and cancer.
5. Stay hydrated
Lymph is the fluid in the circulatory system that carries cells around the body which help fighting infection. Since that fluid is mainly made of water, it’s critical to stay hydrated. Dehydration slows down the lymph movement, resulting in a weak immune system.
The final word
During the coronavirus pandemic and cold and flu season, keeping a strong immune system is crucial. Adopting healthy habits is one of the most effective ways to boost your immunity and protect yourself from viruses and infections. Treat your body correctly, and it will function at its best.
