When news of the coronavirus outbreak first hit, people from all over the world had a lot of questions. How severe is the virus? What are the symptoms? What classifies as high risk? And of course, what can we do to boost our immune systems and protect ourselves from becoming sick? This last question is an important one, mainly because it gives people the power to be proactive. When you have strong immunity, your body is better equipped to fight off infection, and fighting off this infection is not only important for your own health but the health of our entire community. That’s why the health experts at Holistic Integrative Care, who promote holistic medicine in Boulder, CO, wanted to share these tips for boosting your immune system during the coronavirus pandemic.
Exercise
Being physically active is incredibly important at this time. While you don’t have to turn into fitness fanatics, it’s highly recommended to do at least 30 minutes of light exercise a day. Whether it’s going on a hike, doing gentle yoga, enjoying a bike ride, or just taking a light walk with the dog, movement is crucial for a strong immune system. Exercise helps to boost metabolism, lower stress hormones, and increase the production of antibodies, which all help to enhance the immune system and fight off sickness. Plus, having a good sweat is a great way to release toxins in the body.
Eating Right
Diets have become a popular discussion on various social media outlets throughout the pandemic. When someone is stuck at home, they’re more likely to snack and enjoy comfort foods, such as pizza, pasta, or ice cream. While it’s okay to enjoy a tasty treat every now and again, eating the right foods is important for the immune system. Health experts recommend dishes that include a variety of colors, vitamins, and minerals, so fruits and vegetables should be at the top of your list. Try to avoid foods that cause inflammation, such as fried foods or processed meat.
Avoid Smoking and Drinking
Cutting back on bad habits, such as drinking too much alcohol or smoking cigarettes, can really help to keep you healthy at this time. Alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes can weaken the immune system, so it’s best to use this time to try to quit. Since the coronavirus is a respiratory infection that affects the heart and lungs, it’s particularly important not to smoke.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep and having a strong immune system go hand in hand. Healthy sleep habits and patterns allow the body to rest, rejuvenate, and build immunity to protect people from getting sick. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body will produce more cortisol and adrenaline, putting too much stress on your immune system. Sleeping well isn’t only good for your energy, mood, and ability to focus, but it’s also vital to get enough sleep so you can manage your anxiety and build your immunity.
If you’d like more tips on how to naturally stay healthy and boost your immune system throughout the pandemic, contact the experts at Holistic Integrative Care, the best holistic medicine practitioner in Boulder, CO. Give us a call today to learn more!
