Coronavirus!! So we are in the middle of epidemic Corona virus outbreak that has impacted over 80 nationals causing border shutdowns, daily lives disruption, concerts and festivals cancelled, education and school closures, economy slowdown, and fears of a recession. There is a lot of unnecessary anxiety and panic around the world at this moment.
Many businesses are forced to shut down, events and community gathering cancelled and people are working from home to prevent spread of pathogen. Since we are at home surrounded by our loved ones why not to make the best of this time. Love it or hate it, this time will never come back and we can take it as blessing in disguise.
Increase your Immunity
Our eating habits define our immunity which we need to strengthen so it’s more resilient and less susceptible to the Coronavirus Covid 19, if we are exposed to it.
Eat your Vitamins
Vitamins are antioxidants and serve the first line of defense against infections. Vitamins like A,C and E are good antioxidants with Vitamin C, the one of best natural immune booster.
Dr. Andrew W. Saul, an international expert on vitamin therapy, says, “The coronavirus can be dramatically slowed or stopped completely with the immediate widespread use of high doses of vitamin C. Bowel tolerance levels of C taken in divided doses throughout the day, is a clinically proven antiviral, without equal.”
In-fact a lack of vitamin C has been long known to increase susceptibility to viruses and found to be related to the increased risk and severity of influenza infections.
Other Vitamins found to boost our natural immunity includes Vitamin E, D and A.
The best way to incorporate these vitamins is to eat colored fruits and vegetables. They are not only rich in Vitamins but also other important phyto-nutrients that improve our health and boost our immune system.
One important vitamin not to be missed is Vitamin D that we can get from sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency is very common these days and is common in people who stay indoors due to work or health issues.
Sources:
Vitamin E found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, red meat, prunes, peaches, spinach, broccoli, tomato, asparagus, avocado, potatoes and cabbage.
Vitamin D found in fatty fish, cod liver oil, cheese, egg yolks, mushrooms and from sun exposure.
Vitamin A found in liver, kidney, butter, egg yolk, deepsea fish, carrots, dark leafy greens, sweet potato, pumpkin, broccoli, red capsicum papaya, nectarines and dried apricots
Vitamin C found in red chili, red capsicums, strawberries, citrus fruits, papaya, mango, kale, broccoli, watercress, elderberry, red cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus, okra, lima beans, black-eyed peas, brussel sprouts and spinach.
Eat Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish, flax seeds, hemp seeds, cod liver oil and walnuts are found to boost the immune system by enhancing the functioning of immune cells.
Uptake the amount of Probiotics
Good gut health is an important part of a healthy body and mind. Approximately 70% of our body’s immune system resides in our colon. Multiple studies have proved the benefits of probiotics for our immune system including increasing the production of natural antibodies in our body, boosting immune cells and natural killer cells and reducing the likelihood and duration of respiratory infections.
Sources of Probiotics: kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, kefir, fermented dairy products and high-quality probiotic supplements
Stay hydrated
It’s important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. For additional medicinal effects drink Lemon juice diluted with warm water, ginger, garlic and honey. These ingredients have antiviral properties.
Uptake healthy herbs and spices
Turmeric is widely used all over world for its medicinal effects. It has shown to be immunomodulating as well. Take with piperine to improve is bio-availability. Also include ginger, garlic, thyme in your diet.
Decrease Sugar and processed food
Studies have shown that consuming sugar and processed products can suppress the body’s immune response. Processed products like soda, biscuits, cakes and white bread have overall negative health effects in long run.
Give time to yourself and your loved ones
How many times you wished to take an extra nap? Do something you wanted to do but lacked time due to daily hustle?
Well, it’s the time to get yourself little more sleep, not getting enough sleep can have an adverse effect on your immune system. Spend quality time with loved ones, pamper your kids, teach them new activities or anything you always wanted to but never had time to.
Manage your stress
Getting stressed out in current situation is normal. It could be fear of job, business or health of loved ones. Stress is also related to many illness and open doors to other problems. Some ideas for managing stress include practicing yoga, meditation and moderate indoor exercise.
Invest in yourself
Perhaps this is the time to think if there is something you can do to uplift your current situation. Whether its learning new skills, doing some online program, training, new business or scaling up a hobby.
Also Improving the surrounding near you like Diy-stuff you always wanted to do but never got that time. Just focusing on how best you can utilize this time will not only keep you productive but also energetic and positive.