Around the world, the Northern Hemisphere countries are coming to the end of their winters, but South Africa is just entering into winter. With the Coronavirus still spreading in South Africa, it can be deadly to people who have a weak immune system. Wearing a mask, disinfecting and washing your hands regularly, are all methods which have been implemented to avoid contracting the virus, but by boosting your immune system you can strengthen your body in the fight against Covid-19.
By carrying out the following tips, you will boost your immune system and will start to feel stronger and healthier.
Get more sleep
The modern world we live in is a rat race. From dropping the kids off at school, rushing from meeting to meeting, preparing healthy meals for your family, running errands and trying to exercise, can be exhausting. The lockdown allows us to slow down and catch up on some much deserved sleep. Due to government regulations and the importance of practicing social distancing and implementing working from home methods, it is easier to go to bed earlier and maybe sleep in a little later in the morning.
Reduce stress
We can all agree that these uncertain times and the enormous decline in economic growth, cause us to be stressed about the future. By practising breathing exercises daily, you can reduce your stress levels, which is important for your health, because high-stress levels interfere with the infection fighting ability of your white blood cells, making you more susceptible to contracting illnesses.
Make a meal using fresh ingredients
To make a meal from scratch can be time consuming, which most people normally don’t have the time or inclination to do. Now that the Coronavirus has forced the population to slow down, you have enough time on your hands. The benefits of making a meal from raw ingredients enables you to use fresh, protein and vegetables, and you will then eat more nutrients than you would from take-aways or ready prepared meals
Improve your Vitamin D intake
Vitamin D helps to stimulate the production of peptide, which is a chain of amino acids in the body that can fight bacteria and viruses. Improve your vitamin D intake by spending some time in the sunlight every day, eat more mushrooms, and include egg yolks in your diet or take a vitamin D supplement.
Stop smoking
Have you ever said “I am going to stop smoking tomorrow”? Well, today is that day! This bad habit weakens the functionality of the lungs and increases the chances of falling victim to the virus.
Reduce alcohol intake
Enjoying a glass of wine with your dinner is fine, but over indulging could have a negative effect on your body. Consuming large amounts of alcohol daily can disrupt your gut barrier, allowing more bacteria to pass into the blood which affects the way healthy gut microbes interact with the immune system, causing the system to weaken. Next time rather choose a glass of water to drink with your meal, than an alcoholic beverage.
When implementing these suggestions in your daily life, it will not only strengthen your immune system, but will also prepare you in your fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. Remember to wash your hands regularly, practice social distancing and only leave home when absolutely necessary.