While it is crucial to mention hygiene standards like washing your hands frequently and maintain social distancing as precaution ,marinating a good immunity is also vital in order to defend against getting the disease or act as a tool to fight it. There are also certain methods to improve your immunity which is paramount in these critical times
Individuals in certain pre-existing illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, cardio vascular disease, and respiratory issues are at a higher risk of having Covid 19 complications, it also aggravates with age as the general immunity reduces as you get older.
In the younger generation with no underlying illnesses, Covid 19 can result in a minor infection, provided you have a robust immunity and do not engage in activities like smoking or vaping to combat the onslaught of the virus.
Here is a list of measures you can undertake to improve your immunity.
Balanced Diet:
A diet rich in antioxidants has been linked to a host of health-promoting, disease-fighting activities in the body
Antioxidant-rich foods include:
- Vitamin A and beta-carotene: pumpkin, squash, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, dark leafy greens, and mangoes
- Vitamin C: citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and asparagus
- Vitamin E: vegetable oil, almonds, whole grains, wheat germ, sweet potatoes, and yams
- Selenium: salmon and haddock
- Zinc supplements are beneficial for respiratory infections with symptoms similar to COVID-19’s.
- Vitamin D is also important deficiency can make you more prone to disease.
Along with a healthy diet and adequate nutrition, there are healthy activities that can re-enforce your immune health too.
Exercise
Moderate exercise has been shown to improve the flu-fighting power .
Solo exercises include jogging, jumping rope, and a variety of at-home workouts from and yoga.
Stress Reduction
Moreover, chronic stress has been shown in some studies to leave us more vulnerable to infections. These are testing times, and a prolonged period of staying indoors has its implications on your mental wellbeing.
Being stressed out leads to increased levels of suppressor T cells, which suppress the immune system.
When this branch of the immune system is impaired, you are more susceptible to viral illnesses including respiratory conditions like colds, flu, and the novel coronavirus infection.
You can reduce stress through breathing exercises, meditation, working out, talking to a therapist, and getting out into nature, along with many other ways.
Sleep
Getting the right amount of quality sleep can help your natural infection resistance, too. Several studies confirm the link between sleep and a healthy immune system. For most adults, that means 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted slumber.
Stay Hydrated
Drink up to 8-10 glasses of water every day, to stay hydrated.
Hydration will help flush out the toxins from the body and lower the chances of flu.
Other alternatives include juices made of citrus fruits and coconut water, to beat the heat.
