We are all living in quarantine in the midst of novel coronavirus COVID-19. Scientists and doctors are working on developing antivirals and vaccines — and populations are seeing just how crucial and dependent we are on these individuals for our lives. We know that a positive immune response is crucial to staying healthy – so below are recommendations on how to boost your immune system and stay as healthy as possible. (Note: these suggestions do no prevent you from contracting the virus; however, we have learned that keeping ourselves healthy is crucial to fighting the battle.)
DON’T SMOKE
This is especially crucial given the fact that Covid-19 is a respiratory issue.
Smoking, vaping and drug use increases the risks of Covipd 19 since it affects the lungs directly and aggressively.
“When someone’s lungs are exposed to flu or other infections the adverse effects of smoking or vaping are much more serious than among people who do not smoke or vape.” – Stanton A. Glantz, PhD (UCSF)
LOWER STRESS LEVELS
Although the economy, screaming children at home, the stock market crash, (and scrolling through social media) are all factors contributing to our stress, it’s crucial to combat the stress levels as much as possible. Take breaks from watching the news, take care of your body, eat balanced meals, exercise and sleep!
Stress can make you more susceptible to respiratory illness – so let’s avoid that.
I’ve been enjoying my at-home yoga and neighborhood walks!
SBO PROBIOTICS
Our gut is the foundation of our immune system — so I never skip my 2 capsules every single morning. I love this brand.
SLEEP
Getting good sleep is one of the most crucial ways to boost your immune system as it boosts your physical and mental well being as well as the effectiveness of certain specialized immune cells called T cells. There is a strong relationship between sleep and the body’s defenses against infection as revealed in this paper by JEM.
You know I’m as a sucker for a good 7-9 hours of sleep! It’s good for beauty and great for our immune system!
EXERCISE
Quarantining yourself at home is not a reason to be a sloth! Now is the perfect time to exercise — either indoors or in your neighborhood.
Unless you’re been exposed to Covid -19, you can still walk outside your home, up and down the streets or hills. Get that Vitamin D in and boost those endorphins.
Regular physical activity can strengthen your immune system and help your body fight off infections and viruses. – Healthline
TAKE THOSE VITAMINS
Vitamin D: A deficiency in Vitamin D is correlated with increased susceptibility to infection. Take your supplements and get outside in the sunshine!
My acupuncturist advised me to take Vitamin K2 with D3 and so I do. A lot of research is being conducted on the importance of taking your Vitamin D with your Vitamin K since there is a synergy between the two. Vitamin D is needed to help our body absorb calcium (which we know we need for bone health!) — but Vitamin K is needed to prevent Vitamin D from being deposited in the wrong areas (such as your arteries and soft tissue).
RESCUE A PET
I’m currently in the process of convincing my husband to say yes to adopting or fostering a cat or dog! (The shelters are experiencing an all-time high right now in terms of lack of funding and overflow of animals that need a home.)
And an added bonus!
Did you know that dogs’ saliva works like a probiotic? It actually helps you to develop healthy bacteria colonies that in turn boost your immune system!
[adsenseyu1][adsenseyu2]
