Rishikesh Kumar, Founder & CEO, Xtraliving
Coronavirus outbreak is spreading at an unprecedented pace, sending a wave of fear through the nations. It seems like the entire world is talking about pandemic COVID-19. While the virus is uncertain and triggering a panicky and anxiety situation, we must focus on what can be controlled at our end, that is, boosting our immune system.
Our immune systems are designed to defend us against disease causing microorganisms. But unfortunately, immune system can get worn down in uncertain situations, preventing our body to effectively fight off sickness. With the unpredictable COVID-19 continuing to spread, it’s more important than ever to boost our immune system.
The first line of defence is to follow a healthy lifestyle. What are those healthy ways that can boost our immune system? Let’s dig deep into it.
Curb Stress
We all know it’s a stressful situation but more we stress more it hurts our immune system. When we’re stressed out, our body produces stress hormone, cortisol which weakens the immune system. So, in this worrisome situation which the entire world is facing, it is significant to reduce stress levels and build a strong immune system by doing activities that one finds relaxing such as meditation.
Exercise, But Do Not Go Overboard
Low and moderate intensity exercises naturally boost immunity by lowering cortisol levels. But it is important to be careful as over exercise can weaken the immune system. 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day is good to follow and if you are apprehensive about hygiene in the gym, opt for a brisk walk.
Take Adequate Sleep
Without adequate sleep, our body makes fewer cytokines that target infection and effectively creates an immune response. Chronic sleep loss can even make a flu vaccine less effective so, it is important to follow a healthy sleep pattern to boost immunity.
Prioritise Your Diet
Watch your diet and consume a good amount of fruits and vegetables to ensure enough intake of zinc and vitamin D and other significant vitamins and minerals. If we follow a good diet, chances are rare we will face deficiency of important vitamins and minerals. It is recommendedto eat lots of dark green, leafy vegetables as well as nuts and seeds, and to minimise foods with sugar and trans fats as they aren’t as nutrient-dense.
Besides, eat plenty of plain yoghurt every day, drink lots of water and reduce alcohol consumption.
Don’t Smoke
Experts recommend staying away from smoking and vaping as those with respiratory disease are more prone to coronavirus and anything that is challenging to lungs will have adverse effects.
Summing it All Up
Although we are in unpredictable times, we should not wait to see if we are healthy enough to overcome a disease. In these tough times, when majority of countries are fighting against the widespread COVID-19, it is important to follow some precautionary measures. While there is no guarantee that taking these steps will help fighting coronavirus, they are very unlikely to hurt. Even people who are healthy should take steps to boost their immune system for additional protection against the virus.
Nations worldwide are undergoing a tough phase. The onus lies on us to be cautious do the least we can do. Also, as a part of our social responsibility, we must teach people in our contact to take precautionary measures like the ones discussed above as they won’t do any harm and will only benefit us in the long run.
It may be a worrying time but let it not scare you. Let’s stay strong and be kind to ourselves and those around us.
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