Boost Your Immune System to Fight COVID – 19
Can garlic fight Covid-19? Can turmeric improve your respiratory system? You must have heard a lot of news around the natural cures for COVID – 19, which is nothing but baseless rumors intending to mislead people. In these troubled times of a pandemic showing no signs of retreating, it is common that every other forum gives you advice and suggestions to stay protected and healthy.
Do you believe that wonder foods or potions can protect you from the illness? This is no fairy tale or wonderland we are living in for these hacks to work. Yes! The truth is that you can stay protected by exercising caution but not by ingesting any kind of probiotics or any medicinal herb. Having said that, it is always advisable that you build your immunity through natural ways such as a well-balanced diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle. This might still give your body the strength to fight off the infection. Also, there is nothing that you are losing out by following a healthy lifestyle.
To understand if a diet or herbs will help fight the disease, it is essential to understand what Covid-19 is all about.
What is COVID – 19?
Readers already have a lot of information on this. Anyways let’s hear it once more to know if the so immunity boosters will help ward off this pandemic.
It is a respiratory illness, which is caused by a strain of coronavirus. It mainly affects the respiratory system of the infected person and can be cured with no specific medication. However, it has proven to be fatal in people with underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, etc.
How does our immune system prepare itself to fight infections?
Our bodies have the unique ability to manufacture specific proteins that can target and destroy the abnormal cells. These are referred to as anti-bodies. The strength of our body to make these proteins depends on many factors, such as our diet, our lifestyle, sleeping patterns. It is essential to stay healthy, both mentally and physically, to help our body build a robust immune system.
Let’s look at what foods help build a balanced immune system. Keep in mind that this is no alternative to practicing safety norms such as social distancing and personal hygiene.
Include a lot of vegetables in your diet – Keep your blood sugar and pressure under control by eating foods that are low on carbs and rich in protein. Remember to include vegetables and fruits that have Beta carotene, vitamins, and ascorbic acid. Green veggies such as broccoli, spinach also help build our body’s defense against these infections. Mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes are also an excellent source of essential vitamins and nutrients.
Foods with medicinal value – Traditional foods such as ginger, turmeric, and gooseberries can help the body with its anti-inflammatory properties. These foods are often used as effective home remedies to treat the common cold, cough, and digestion related problems, though we do not have any proven scientific evidence to support the claim.
Vitamin C – is also an essential nutrient that can heal wounds faster and help manage symptoms of the common cold. Ever since the outbreak of COVID – 19, there are reports of people hoarding oranges, or juices that have a plentiful supply of this vitamin. Please be informed that regular foods such as cauliflower, lemon, kiwis, and broccoli are also excellent sources of this essential vitamin.
Mineral Zinc – This is yet another essential nutrient, which is vital for the development of white blood cells that play a crucial role in fighting off foreign particles entering our body; this also includes bacteria and viruses. Zinc is found in abundance in seafood, such as shellfish and oysters. Certain seeds such as pumpkin seeds, fortified cereals, milk, and yogurt can be included in your diet to get the benefits of Zinc.
While you munch on fruits and veggies, remember to include all the seasonal and local fruits in your daily diet. There is a general misconception that the exotic varieties are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. While they do offer benefits, it is better to have the local variations as your body should be able to adapt to them sooner.
Emotional Well-Being
Both mind and body must work in synchronization to make the perfect team to fight off infections and disease. Mental health is often a neglected or less frequented area. However, the impact of a stressful mind on the immune system can be more than what we think. A weak mental state can alter the body’s ability to respond to infections. Lockdown days are also instead adding to mental stress by way of fear and anxiety over health, employment, and the future. It is essential to de-stress yourself by maintaining a positive outlook on life.
Reduce the stress hormones by practicing meditation – When you are stressed, the body releases a hormone called cortisol, which is known to alter the body’s response to possible infections. It also keeps you in a constant state of anxiety. Calm your mind by practicing the tried and tested method to relieve stress – meditation. You can look up for resources online on how you can practice this mental exercise.
Stay Away from Addictive Substances – Avoid smoking, alcohol, and any other habit-forming substances as this will have a direct impact both on the mental and physical health. Smoking can weaken your respiratory system, which can lead to serious complications in the event of contracting infections. Treat this lockdown as a time out from all those habits that can have adverse effects on your body and mind.
Engage in leisure activities of your choice – this is also the time you can bring out the creativity in you to keep your mind engaged in a productive activity. This can also help you manage your stress levels.
Exercise regularly – Keep your body fit by exercising regularly, even if it means some light workout routines. Make sure you spend at least 30 to 40 mins so that your body can sweat out all the toxins and improve your metabolism.
Drink plenty of fluids – remember to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water. You can also include plenty of fresh fruit juices and coconut water. Drinking a lot of water will also help flush out toxins from the body and thereby reduce the chances of falling ill.
Get good sleep – One cannot emphasize more on the importance of good sleep as part of a healthy lifestyle. You must give your body enough rest by ensuring at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day. A tired body and mind can lead to impaired functioning of the brain, which can, in turn, affect your immunity.
Safety measures to avoid contracting the infection:
The above-mentioned points are to keep your body and mind healthy. However, it is also essential that you practice all safety measures
- Using hand sanitizer,
- Wearing face masks,
- Washing hands with soap,
- Keeping away from people who are sneezing or coughing,
- Limit your activities outdoors,
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes, or mouth with your hands.
Remember to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and keep your mind occupied in activities that you are interested in. This hard time will soon pass until then it is essential; we practice these measures to stay safe.
