The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill and affected millions of people across the globe. It is important for us to keep our immune system healthy to fight off the infection. Good nutrition is extremely crucial in these times to stay fighting. People who eat a well-balanced diet have stronger immune systems and this lowers the chances of falling prey to chronic illnesses and infectious diseases. Certain foods are proven immunity boosters and consuming them in the right proportion can keep the dreaded corona virus at bay.
This vitamin is a must for intestinal and respiratory health. Vitamin A also helps the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs to function properly. Vitamin A is found in meat, poultry , fish , dairy products and also in most fruits and vegetables. Broccoli, spinach carrots and bell peppers are all rich sources of Vitamin A. it also helps in the production of WBC’s which help to fight the bacteria and other pathogens. Hence a diet rich in vitamin A will the lower the body’s ability to fall sick. Thus, supplementing the diet with adequate amounts of vitamin A will boost the body’s immune system.
Vitamin C is a vital warrior in fighting the corona virus. It is a powerful anti-oxidant and fights a number of infections and also acute respiratory distress syndrome. Since the COVID-19 virus attacks the respiratory organs only, eating a diet which is rich in citrus foods like oranges, lemons, berries will ward off the virus. Most fruits contain high quantities of vitamin C and eating a diet rich with it can significantly improve immunity. Vitamin C also helps to fight the common cold and influenza.
Zinc is a very essential nutrient for the production of WBC’s which fights infection .Zinc deficiency often makes one vulnerable to flu, cold and other viral infections. The corona virus to affects the respiratory system and hence it is advisable to take a zinc supplement to keep the virus at bay. Some common zinc rich foods are beans, seeds ,nuts, meat and poultry and sea food.
Turmeric is rich in cur-cumin which boosts the immune system. Turmeric helps to fight inflammation and chronic diseases. Cur-cumin is a natural anti-oxidant that slows down the ageing process. Too much exposure to free radicals can mess with the body’s ability to absorb fats ,proteins and fall prey to chronic diseases. Cur-cumin being a natural anti-oxidant helps to fight the virus and also contains bio active compounds with powerful medicinal properties. Cur-cumin can suppress many molecules known to produce inflammation and at the same time stimulate the body’s anti-oxidant enzymes. Thus eating a diet rich in turmeric has many nutritional benefits.
Water is the elixir of life. It transports nutrients and compounds in the blood, regulates the body temperature and gets rid of waste. So keeping the body well hydrated will help you to eliminate the unwanted substances. Water also increases energy levels and fights fatigue and mainly flushes out the toxins from the body. Maintaining your fluid levels will help you to flush out the virus too. Water is important to nearly every part of the body and improves overall health. So a fit body is more resistant to the COVID-19 virus.
A good night’s sleep of about 7-8 hours is the best way to help your body’s immunity. Lack of sleep impairs all body functions and this has a direct impact on the immunity. Deprivation of sleep adversely affects the action of the flu vaccine too. So one must ensure that one gets a good night’s rest to stay healthy.
These are testing times and long periods of staying indoors with no social interactions has adversely affected mental wellness. The anxiety around the pandemic has had an impact on every sphere of life. Stress releases a hormone called cortisol and this makes the body susceptible to infection. Practicing meditation, listening to music moderate exercise and indulging in hobbies can help us to keep our stress at check.
The advent of the vaccine is the first step to the battle against the COVID 19 pandemic. We can all do our bit by staying indoors ,social distancing ,eating healthy staying hydrated and following hygiene norms.
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