Tips to strengthen your immune system
As the new virus keeps spreading, our team is taking every recommended precaution by washing our hands regularly, practicing social distancing, supporting our patients from our home offices, etc.
We know we are not alone when we say that we want to take every measure possible to protect and boost our immune system in an effort to not contract the virus. Experts say this may also give you an edge in staying healthy.
The immune system is a complex network of cells, organs and tissues working in tandem to protect the body from infection. While genetics play a role, we know that the strength of our immune system is largely determined by nonheritable factors as well.
We highly recommend adding some steps to your to-do list to improve your immunity:
- Stay away from smoking, alcohol and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin and even paracetamol. Artificially lowering a fever with medication may be more DANGEROUS than letting the body fight naturally. Fever is your first line of defense against the spread of a virus in your body. Our immune system works better at high temperatures – particularly the specialised immune cells which kill viruses and bacteria! First, treat symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or a runny nose and then rethink killing a viral infection with medication.
- Try to manage your stress. When you’re under chronic stress or anxiety, your body produces stress hormones such as cortisol, which suppress your immune system after time. If you notice that stress levels have been in high gear for longer than normal, perhaps brainstorm on some ways you can insert self-care to counterbalance. Mindfulness, yoga or meditation might help destress you. Your immune system will thank you.
- Enjoy gentle and regular physical activity. It’s one of the best “anti-stress” reliefs that exists. We do not recommend running a marathon or intensive bodybuilding, if not in top-shape, but light weights and exercises at home is beneficial.
- Get enough sleep! Turn off the TV and stop watching the anxiety-provoking news, especially in the evening! When you’re sleep-deprived, your body churns out stress hormones like cortisol to keep you awake and alert. Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep can lower the risk of “catching” an infection of four times and keeps your immune system up and running.
- Support your immune system with the right supplements. Vitamin D, whose effectiveness has been scientifically proven against acute respiratory infections, should be the first on your list. Zinc is also known for its powerful anti-viral effect and should not be missed at this time. Vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells and protects them from damage by potentially harmful molecules. Also, it helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
- Eat well. Did you know that around 80% of your immune system lies in your digestive tract? So, when it’s healthy and balanced, we tend to be able to fight off infections faster and better. Our gut is the major channel between the external environment and the internal systems of our body. It is exposed to plenty of germs and harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses present in food particles on a daily basis. These toxic agents are recognised by the immune system in the gut as being harmful to our body and attacked.
Would you like to get more information on how to maintain a proper and effective diet leading to health, vitality and energy? Or maybe find out how your eating habits may affect your illness and slow you down?
Nutrition Coaching courses will help you to find a way not only to accept your body as beautiful and healthy but guide you to rediscover your abilities and worth.
Reach out today if you are interested in reinventing your mind, body and of course health!