How to Boost Your Immune System: The Importance of a Healthy Immune System During COVID-19
It’s important now more than ever to take control of your health and take care of your immunity.
Do you watch the news? If so, you’re probably accustomed to hearing restrictions on social distancing, quarantine, the wearing of masks, and the terrible harm that this virus can inflict on our population.
However, do you ever hear them spread awareness on the importance of our immune systems and how a healthy immune system can combat this virus? I think not…
Unfortunately, modern media is focused on political agendas and “breaking stories”, NOT improving ones health and finding innovative and efficient solutions to problems…
Nevertheless, immune systems are critical for defending against harmful pathogens and fighting off diseases and disasters. So, how can you boost your immune system in the wake of COVID-19?
Let’s jump into it!
Boosting Your Immune System
As mentioned above, the immune system is like the first line of defense for our bodies. In fact, it’s such a strong line of defense that it functions quite well on its own. However, by adjusting your lifestyle and tweaking a few of your habits, you can strengthen that line of defense tenfold!
Below are just some of the ways one can boost their immune system:
- Exercise!
- Eat a healthy, nutrition diet
- Rest and recover! It’s no myth that we need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night
- Quit the smoking!
- Reduce stress. Do what you can to minimize it out of your life
- Drink all the water!
- Activate the immune system by giving it minor stressors like: cold shower, fasting…
While the list of ways to boost your immune system spreads far and wide, above are just a few of the top tips. As you can see, the common theme here is creating healthy lifestyle habits to ensure an overall healthier, happier life.
If there were three tips that I could recommend right now that were non-non-negotiable, they would be: exercise, nutrition, and quit smoking.
Exercise
Exercise is the keystone of any healthy lifestyle. It’s been shown to improve a number of important health markers, and it simply makes us feel good. These factors have a huge carry-over effect on our immune systems, and in a positive way.
This doesn’t mean you need to become the next Ronaldo…Simply take part in a physically exerting activity for 20-30 minutes, 2-4 times per week. Your immune system will thank you later.
Nutrition
A functioning, healthy immune system requires impeccable nutrition. This includes macronutrients, micronutrients, and proper hydration. Vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, and Zinc are all vital to the strength of your immune system.
Does this mean you need to be perfect? Of course not. However, if you can try and begin to follow an 80/20 principle (80% healthy, 20% treats), you’ll be well on your way to building a stronger immune system than 90% of the world’s population.
Quit Smoking
If you don’t smoke, kudos to you!
If you do, even if it’s just a little bit, you need to stop. As we’ve all heard discussed ad nauseam throughout this pandemic, immunocompromised individuals are highly at-risk for contracting and potentially dying from this virus.
Is smoking a key contributor to compromising ones immune system? You bet!
No matter what your current health condition is, it’s important that you take part in improving yourself and your immune system. Do your part in taking care of yourself so that you can begin to take care of everyone else.