The COVID-19 illness is taking the world by storm. Particularly in large countries, like Italy and the US, the number of reported cases continues to go up. As we face this pandemic, we are looking for ways on how to protect ourselves from the new coronavirus. One important way is to boost our immune system.
Source: Freepik
Is it really that important?
Let’s put it this way – if your body is a house, then your immune system is the entire wall that protects it from the outside world. So, yes, it is essential to have a healthy immune system when battling aggressive illnesses, such as the COVID-19.
So, here are ways how you can keep yourself healthy:
1. Eat Nutritious Food
It is essential that we are mindful of what we eat. If your body is not receiving enough nutrients, your immune system will not have the right resources to protect it. Here are some tasty and healthy foods that will give your immune system the boost it needs.
Source: Freepik
a. Broccoli
In case you didn’t know, a cup of broccoli has the same Vitamin C content as that of an orange. It also contains the B Vitamins as well as other nutrients great for boosting the immune system.
b. Spinach
Spinach is rich in iron, magnesium, and folate. These nutrients aid cells to function better so they can work well when there is an infection. On top of that, spinach is high in Vitamin C, which we badly need during this pandemic.
c. Sweet Potato
Sweet potato contains Vitamin C and potassium. It also contains beta carotene that the body converts to Vitamin A, which is essential in boosting our health.
d. Watermelon
Watermelon contains high levels of Vitamins A and C as well as potassium, all of which greatly helps the immune system.
e. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are rich in Vitamin B and contain antioxidants, such as selenium and glutathione.
f. Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics, which aids in boosting the immune system and may help in alleviating a certain infection or illness.
2. Limit Your Alcohol Consumption
Reducing your alcohol consumption will make it easier for you to keep tabs on your weight. Many alcoholic drinks have similar levels of calories with high fatty food. High consumption of alcohol also causes several health problems, such as liver disease, cancer, heart problems, diabetes, and even brain jury. Having a pre-existing health disease will make you at a higher risk for COVID-19.
3. Avoid Sugary Drinks
Source: Freepik
Drinking sugary beverages increases your risk of diabetes by 26% as well as obesity and heart problems. It has been noted that people with diabetes are more prone to developing coronavirus disease. Consuming high levels of sugar will also make you hungry faster as you are not receiving the right nutrients.
4. Avoid/Stop Smoking
As you may already know, smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Since it can damage the lungs, smoking also puts people at a higher risk of tuberculosis and other respiratory infections and illnesses, such as COVID-19.
5. Exercise
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends people do at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day for adults and at least an hour for children. If allowed, you can go outside for a run or walk, while keeping a distance from other people.
If you cannot go outside, you can do yoga at home or walk up and down the stairs. You can also follow some exercises, like Zumba, that you can access online.
6. Maintain Proper Hygiene
Maintaining proper hygiene is also one way to keep yourself and the people around you healthy. Clean your home on a regular basis and observe hygiene etiquette, such as using a tissue or your elbow when sneezing or coughing and washing your hands with soap and water frequently.
Source: Freepik
When going out, always have alcohol and sanitary wipes with you. Since there is a severe shortage of alcohol today, a hand sanitizer with 75% alcohol content, such as the BeCleanse hand sanitiser, is a good alternative.
Upon arriving home, make sure to remove all clothes and put them in a separate laundry basket. Take a bath and make sure that you have washed every area of your body.
7. Keep an Eye on Stress
It is normal to be stressed at this time of international crisis. To alleviate your stress levels, listen to music, read books, and play games with your family. Try to limit watching the news when you are getting really anxious.
It’s also good to check on your friends, relatives, and neighbors at this difficult time. Contact them through phone or through social media. It greatly helps to have someone to talk to.
If you’re working from home, remember not to sit in the same position for long periods. Every 30 minutes, get up and take short breaks.
You may have heard that it’s the older people who are severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While this may be true, it does not mean that the younger generation is not affected. With the recent updates, all age groups have been infected. So, whatever your age is, it is important that you keep yourself healthy!
