5 Simple Things that Will Boost Your Natural Immunity
Coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, seems like it came out of nowhere. One day we were all living our lives as usual and the next we were caught in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. Older adults and people with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for developing more severe issues from the illness. Nonetheless, COVID-19 presents a real threat to people of all ages. The threat largely depends on the strength of your immune system. So, how can you boost your immunity and fight off COVID-19?
COVID-19 can be avoided by practicing social distancing and proper hygiene (i.e. washing your hands). However, you also need to maintain peak physical health. The first two are relatively simple, but many people don’t know how to improve their physical health.
We all know it is essential to drink plenty of fluids, exercise, avoid stress, get a good night’s sleep, and eat a healthy diet. However, with no end in sight to the COVID-19 pandemic, you will have to find new techniques to support your resistance and boost your immunity.
There’s no magic pill to boost your strength and immunity. However, there are certain actions you can take to boost your immunity and reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 or having severe complications from the virus. So, here are 5 tips to help boost your immunity and stay healthy during the current health crisis:
Make Lifestyle Changes and Stick to Them
It’s easy to say “I’m going to make changes to my lifestyle.” It’s not as easy to follow through and actually do it! However, just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Here are a few lifestyle changes that will boost your immunity and, if maintained, improve your strength for the long-term:
- Avoid stress – Stress is a natural part of life. That said, too much stress can adversely affect your health. So, you should avoid stressful situations as much as possible. If you can’t avoid stress, find ways to cope with it (exercise, meditation, etc). This will help boost your immunity and improve your mood.
- Don’t smoke – Smoking weakens your lungs, increases the risk of cancer, and does nothing to boost your immunity. If you smoke and struggle to quit cold turkey, at least try to cut back as much as you can. The less you smoke, the better prepared you are to fight off illness.
- Don’t drink alcohol – In moderation, alcohol does not pose much of a risk. However, it doesn’t do anything good for your immune system (it certainly doesn’t boost your immunity). In large amounts, it actually weakens your immunity. If possible, cut alcohol out of your diet.
- Wash your hands – While exposing your body to germs is a good way to boost your immunity over time, now is not a good time to take risks. Washing your hands several times throughout the day will lower the risk of bringing COVID-19 or other harmful viruses into your living space. Your body is already exposed to billions of germs every day, so there’s no need to boost your immunity with extra bacteria right now.
- Cook meats well – Undercooked meat can wreak havoc on your digestive and immune systems. You may like your steak rare, but it opens the door for harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. So, you should cook all of your meat to be “medium-well” or “well done” to avoid any problems.
Use Your Diet To Help Boost Your Immunity
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is vital for supporting biochemical reactions in the immune system. Vitamin B6-rich foods include chicken and cold-water fish like salmon and tuna. You can also find Vitamin B6 in green vegetables and chickpeas (the main ingredient in hummus).
Vitamin C
There’s a reason that so many people take Vitamin C when they’re worried about catching a cold. Vitamin C is one of the biggest immune system boosters of all. A lack of Vitamin C can make you more prone to illness.
Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, kale, and broccoli. Daily intake of vitamin C is essential for good health because your body doesn’t produce or store it on its own. The good news is that vitamin C is in a lot of foods that are good for your health (i.e. fruits and vegetables).
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight off infection. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds, and spinach. Many people are deficient in Vitamin E because it is not in many common foods. So, adding Vitamin E to your diet could help improve your physical well-being and boost your immunity at the same time!
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods like eggs, salmon, flaxseed, and avocados. They help boost your immunity and aid in maintaining a healthy weight. Studies from Harvard also link Omega-3 fatty acids to the slowing of age-related brain loss in the parts of the brain that affect memory.
Try Natural Healing Herbs to Strengthen Your Natural Immune System
Herbs like Active Hexose Correlated Compound (also known as AHCC), Echinacea, Elderberry, Andrographis, and Astragalus can all reduce the duration and severity of illnesses in your body. In addition, taking high-quality vitamin and mineral-rich herbs provide even more of the nutrients you need for a robust immune system.
At Twigs Cafe, we always advocate for natural remedies. We believe that natural herbs, vitamins, and minerals hold the key to maintaining a healthy body; and science has proven us right. The important thing is to find the best herbs (like the ones listed above) to boost your immunity and resist disease.
Use Ayurvedic Methods to Boost Your Immunity
According to Ayurveda, seasonal changes (from autumn to winter or winter to spring) tend to weaken your body. During these times, the body becomes more susceptible to infections. You’ve probably noticed that respiratory problems are more common during these times of the year. Fortunately, Ayurvedic treatments can boost your immunity and work to prevent these kinds of issues.
Panchakarma purification therapy involves a variety of Ayurvedic massages to soften up the cells and tissues. This, in turn, helps the body expel toxins. Treatments include herbal saturated steam baths that open the Shrota channels.
This opening helps move the toxic Ama into the circulatory system. A nasal and intestinal cleaning treatment then expels toxins from the body. Seasonal home purifications, daily Ayurvedic massage, Ayurvedic diet, and exercise all help boost your Agni, thereby boosting your immune system as well.
Alternative Ways to Boost Your Immunity
Finally, there are a few extra ways to boost your immunity. These methods may not be as effective as the tips listed above, but they will still work to boost your immunity and improve your overall health. So, here are a few alternative ways to boost your immunity:
- Get a massage – A good massage not only relaxes your muscles, but also helps your body release harmful toxins. Any time you’re releasing toxins, you’re working to boost your immunity.
- Have sex – Many people will be very happy to see this activity on the list! All joking aside, sex releases an antibody called immunoglobulin (IGA). This antibody is said to help prevent colds and the flu.
- Enjoy nature – People who go out into nature, especially in the woods, have a higher amount of “good cells,” according to Japanese scientists. Exposing yourself to nature boosts your immunity in a number of ways, while also improving mental health and reducing stress.
- Soak up the sun – Sunshine is the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D. Vitamin D is one of 13 essential vitamins that helps boost your immunity. Additionally, vitamin D is good for the health of your skin and hair.
- Take probiotics – Various studies have linked the state of your gut with your mood, immune system, cardiovascular system, and various other parts of your physical and mental health. Taking probiotics like kombucha, kefir, and yogurt help promote good bacteria in your gut. Since 70% of your immune system is located there, this is a great way to boost your immunity and strengthen your health.
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Twigs cafe staff is comprised of editors, writers, food & drink experts, nutritionists, and researchers to create informative and helpful content for health-conscious people.
