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| As the coronavirus disease continues to spread, many people are giving more thought to their health and hygiene. |
Today, the whole world has become health conscious than it was ever before. All thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Many of us today are incessantly following hand washing measures and looking for news updates regarding any new drug to end this pandemic.
While there are no drugs found yet, you can still follow different measures which can boost your immune system and keep it functioning optimally.
These are some useful measures to follow as we face a worldwide crisis.
1. Avoid sugar and highly processed foods.
When you avoid sugar in your diet, then you are removing a major food source for the 'bad' bacteria in your gut, which can kill even the 'good' bacteria. This allow the 'good' bacteria to carry on its normal function and maintain the immune system at its optimal.
Vegetables and fruits are rich in fibres and help to increase the good bacteria in your gut. Ginger, garlic, onion also help in keeping your gut microbiome healthy.
Highly processed foods such as biscuits, boxed cereals, juices are also not beneficial for your immune system. It is better to avoid them in your diet.
2. Get enough sleep.
Like every other important systems in your body, the immune system needs rest. And, the best way to do this is by getting enough sleep. Sleep reboots your immune system allowing it to function optimally.
According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, atleast 7 hours of sleep is recommended for adults. Here are some important tips you can follow for a good night's sleep.
3. Exercise.
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| Exercise regularly can help reduce stress hormones and increase your body's ability to fight against new infections. |
Exercise reduces the level of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body. These stress hormones cause inflammation and results in immune system being directed towards this inflammation rather than a new infection elsewhere. When these stress hormones are reduced, then the immune system may focus more effectively on the infection.
4. Limit stress.
Limiting stress is another way how you can boost your immune system.
You can do this by avoiding excess news regarding the virus, talking to people whom you trust, meditation.
5. Sunlight exposure for vitamin D.
According to research, vitamin D plays an important role in immune function. It activates killer T cells, which actually destroys the foreign pathogens. So, it is essential that there is adequate amount of vitamin D in your diet.
This can be achieved by taking sources rich in vitamin D or by natural sunlight exposure.
6. Drink plenty of water.
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| According to experts, staying hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your immune system at optimal level. |
Drinking water isn't directly related with fighting coronavirus disease, but it helps in improving your overall health status. Hence, it is beneficial to drink plenty of water.
According to medical experts, it is advisable to drink atleast 8 glasses or about half a gallon water.
7. Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Both smoking and taking alcohol doesn't do your immune system any good. Infact, both of these cause an influx of foreign substances in the body, which the immune system acts to neutralise.
So, if you contract any infectious disease during this time, your ability of fight against this disease lessens compared to your healthy self. Hence, it is better to avoid smoking and taking alcohol.
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