The world is at heightened state of awareness regarding pathogens. With good reason, the coronavirus, once disregarded as a hoax, in continuing to infect people across the globe despite protective measures being implemented. The highly contagious virus has created a pandemic that has seen cases of infection and death increase daily.
If there is any a time to help protect oneself against pathogenic infection, it is now. Building a healthy and strong immune system is a daily endeavor, and it should not be limited to practice during the current pandemic. Building a strong immune system will protect the body from the flu, colds, and other biological contaminants. Despite the current state of an immune system, it can always be improved! Let’s look at some approaches to boosting a strong protective bodily response.
Physical Activity
Physical Activity can range from resistance training, bodyweight training, running/jogging, and yes, even walking.
Resistance training may be difficult to do without a personal gym, but bodyweight training including pushups, sit-ups, lunges, and squats can increase cardiac rates and blood flow.
Walking and running are perfect exercises to do in a position that satisfies social distancing.
Stress Management
There is no magic answer to stress management. Stress is inevitable, especially in circumstances of quarantine. Stress management is simply how people handle their emotions during problem solving. Everyone handles stress differently. People can exercise (see above), listen to music, read, talk to a friend (thank goodness for online portals now!), meditate, or say prayers.
Personal Hygiene
Proper hygiene habits are directly related to decreasing pathogenic infection chances. Hygiene refers to cleaning the body and protecting people and surfaces from bodily fluids. Hand Washing, showering, washing clothes, brushing teeth, and covering mouth when sneezing/coughing are basic steps people can make. Get more information on hygiene.
Eat Right
Proper nutrition goes a long way toward bodily health. Boosting the immune system requires vitamins and minerals, but to put those nutrients to work, the energy needed comes from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This is why Chicken Noodle Soup, since it has all nutrients, has always been popular (See Recipe).
The best way to get vitamins and minerals in the body is to increase plant-based products, fruits and vegetables. Fruits such as Apples, lemons and other citrus fruits, kiwis, papayas, and cranberries are beneficial. Vegetables to include in a die are bell peppers, broccoli, jalapenos, spinach, and garlic. Herbs and seeds to include are ginger, sage, fennel, turmeric, chamomile, green tea, almonds, and sunflower seeds. For detailed nutrition information on listed foods check out this site.
Get Enough Water
Water is essential for all body processes, and flushing toxins. Despite being a functional element to human health, people can find it difficult to get the recommended amounts of water. Most people need between 8-12 cups of water every day. Water can also be attained through foods such as fruits and vegetables. For more information on water clikc on the image to the right.