Since COVID-19 or Coronavirus became a global pandemic, everyone has collectively been battling the imminent dangers that this virus poses to humanity! Experts from around the world say testing of a vaccine for the new coronavirus will be much faster than for a typical vaccine. but it will still last 12 to 18 months, at best. Hence, it is crucial to maintain hygiene like washing your hands frequently, especially if you have traveled by public transport, using an alcohol sanitizer, wearing a mask to cover your nose and mouth and to avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes frequently. There are also certain methods to improve your immunity which is eminent during these times! The rules are fairly simple, eat right, sleep right, and stay active. Here’s what you can do to improve your immunity:
Improve Your Diet
We learned in school about “eating the rainbow”, which is a good rule at any age. Choose from a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in zinc, vitamin D, and other important minerals and vitamins that boost your immune system. Supplements that include omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, may be helpful too. Mediterranean diet may be one of the healthiest diets in the world according to the U.S. News & World Report annual rankings!
Be Active
According to The National Library of Medicine, exercise may help your body fend off illnesses by ramping up your immune system. A good diet should always be followed by an exercise routine that makes you sweat! Even simple or lightweight exercises can go a long way in releasing the toxins from your body. According to a recent study published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) exercising at least 5 days/week reduced the risk of getting an upper respiratory infection by nearly 50%.
Befriend the fluids!
Drinking up to 8-10 glasses of water every day, to stay hydrated will boost your immune system, your digestive system, and improve your metabolism. Hydration helps flush out the toxins from the body and lowers the chances of flu. You can spice things up a notch by switching water with juices made of citrus fruits and coconut water, to beat the heat!
Destress Yourself
During these challenging times, growing anxiety is another major concern that is affecting millions across the globe. While the uncertainty might be overwhelming, keeping a positive mindset can help us reduce stress, which is known to have an adverse effect on immunity. Meditation, practicing yoga, and getting a good night’s sleep is essential to keep your body healthy! In one study conducted by Sleep Research Society, researchers found that getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night can make you 4 times less likely to catch a cold!
As the battle against coronavirus continues and we hold our breaths for a vaccine, we can do our bit by limiting our exposure to the virus by staying safe, social distancing, eating healthy, and following basic hygiene. According to the World Health Organization, a healthy lifestyle makes all bodily functions work better, including immunity. Having a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables will play a vital role in protecting you against infection and other diseases. Taking simple steps to boost immunity to fight Covid-19 is a stepping stone towards staying positive and healthy!