So let’s talk about what’s on everyone’s mind, how’s everyone really feeling?! We may all be going back to work and meeting up with family and friends soon but we’ve got to be wise and careful.
And as we all know, this coronavirus sadly impacts people with weaker immune system, the elderly and those with underlying health issues. Falling into any of these categories is a pain right? Well, whether or not you fall under any of these categories, it’s super essential to keep your immune system strong.
So if you’re working from home, back to work or just freaking out right now, here are some tips to help boost a stronger immune system.
Reduce Stress
First things first, stop stressing; a daily reminder for myself as well. I mean, we all stress regularly about the most random things and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But during this overwhelming time of covid-19 where everything seems unclear, naturally we are going to stress even more. However, you have to keep your stress levels extremely low to none.
Cortisol is a stress hormone released by the adrenal glands. Best known to fuel your body’s “fight-or-flight” instinct in a crisis but also plays an important role for your body. So too much cortisol and too little cortisol is just as bad. A few ways I manage stress is through music, exercising and you can also try meditating or yoga. So, while practising self isolation and social distancing make sure you find ways to continue to boost positive energy and manage your stress levels.
Healthy Diet
I’m constantly learning new things when it comes to diet but the underlining fact is that healthy eating can be just as delicious, lol. I mean, put aside the nutrients, eating healthy is the best thing that you can do for your body. Yes, we all have cheat days but this is the time to up your immune system with nutritious foods.
Healthy Gut
A healthy body starts with the gut hence why healthy gut bacteria are extremely important for your health and if distorted, this can lead to several diseases. Maintaining a healthy microbiota is to eat fresh foods, fruits, vegetables as well as legumes, beans and whole grains while avoiding fast foods and unhealthy processed foods. Apart from these, there are few other things you can also try:
- Bone broth: contains nutrients and minerals that help keep the body intact. Also the best source of collagen and other nutrients including; iron, calcium, Vitamin D and thiamin.
- Prebiotics: dietary fibre that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. Some familiar prebiotics includes; apples, oats, asparagus, dandelion greens, garlic, cocoa and also bananas.
- Probiotics: are beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are food for these bacteria. Get it?! Both sounds very similar but have different roles for our health. Eating the right amounts of both pro- and prebiotics can help ensure the right balance of these bacteria for your health. Familiar probiotics includes; natto, yoghurt, pickles, and supplements. Please make sure you ask your doctor if taking probiotics supplement is good for you. Although they are generally safe for some, people with low immune system or other serious health conditions may not be allowed to take them.
I know these things sound crazy, and I’ve spoken to many people who are clueless about this, but trust me the older we get the more we need to take good care of our body, what we consume and over-all health.
Supplements
Most people do not need to take vitamin supplements as we can get these from eating a healthy, balanced diet. However, during these uncertain times supplements like Vitamin C, E, B6, Zinc and Magnesium are so important right now. All these may help prevent diseases, definitely support your immune system as well as help fight off bacteria and viruses.
Sleep
Finally, my last tip is getting the right amount of sleep. We all need a good amount of sleep for our body to function perfectly. Also, did you know that, Cytokines are a type of protein that help promote sleep and fight infection and this is produced while sleeping? So lack of sleep can affect your immune system and increase risk of diseases. There’s no time like now to find the right balance, get enough sleep to help boost your mood, clear your mind and restore body.
