We are in the middle of a pandemic that is tragically affecting thousands of people. However, there are ways you can protect yourself by strengthening your body's natural immune system. With no vaccine and no preventive medications, the most effective defense we have against COVID-19 is to have a strong immune system.
While there aren’t any specific supplements to help protect against the coronavirus, there are some ways to keep your immune system working at optimal levels. Check out a few of our tips below!
Wash your hands. The most important thing you can do to keep from catching the virus is to wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds. If using hand sanitizer, ensure that it contains 60% alcohol or above.
Get the proper amount of nutrition daily. We have to ensure that we are providing our immune systems the energy it needs and the right nutrients to work. Studies have shown that nutritional deficiencies can weaken the immune system and make us more vulnerable to infections. Make sure you are eating plenty of foods that hold nutritional value.
This means we need to make sure we are eating “all of our body’s requirements for macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals including Vitamins C and D, as well as B6, B12, and folate, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium, as well as essential amino and essential fatty acids.” Many of these nutrients and minerals can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Stress Management. The emotional, physical, and financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic is sure to cause some level of stress. Managing your cortisol levels is important for helping your body prevent infections. In this difficult time, we've have curated some tips and resources you can use to manage your stress and mental health during the pandemic. Find those tips here!
Get an adequate amount of quality sleep. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can make you more susceptible to getting sick after exposure to a virus. By ensuring you get enough quality sleep each night, you can begin to produce cytokines, a type of protein that targets infection and inflammation, effectively creating an immune response. Try our "Sleep-In Challenge" to start getting the quality sleep you need!
Social Distance. The most effective way of keeping your immune system from being compromised by the deadly coronavirus is to keep practicing social distancing. When you have to make essential errands always, wear your mask and stay aware of how close you are to other people.
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