Coronavirus is a virus that is spread by coming into contact with other contaminated places or people. It is also spread via airborne droplets like more other viruses including common cold & flu. This means that the virus is capable of spreading fast from one person to the other. Not all people are affected immediately when they are infected with the virus. The strength of your immune system will greatly determine how fast and serious your body will be affected.
What is the immune system?
The immune system is a defensive mechanism that is in our bodies. It helps in protecting us from germs and viruses which causes diseases. The immune system is made up of vessels and organs. The major parts of the immune system include;
- White blood cells
- Complement system
- Antibodies
- Lymphatic system
- Bone marrow
- Spleen
Below are some of how you can boost your immune so that it can be able to fight coronavirus.
1. Regular Exercise:
Keeping fit & exercising your body is more effective in achieving good health. It will also help your body in developing a strong immune system. Exercising your body will help in improving your body’s blood circulation which has fresh oxygen-supply. This will allow the cells & substances of your immune system to circulate through your body freely & efficiently.
You should be exercising your body for at least 20 minutes daily to have anti-inflammatory effects which boost your immune system. If you have a congested timetable you can have unusual exercises while at the workplace. These include;
- Climb up and down the stairs instead of using the elevator
- Walking to your workplace instead of using a car
- Order & carry lunch for your workmates
- Jog while in your office
Always remember not to over-exercise your body because it will lead to stress.
2. Consume The Right Supplement And Diet:
Taking the right supplements and diet will greatly help in boosting your immune system. Deficiencies in various micronutrients which include zinc, iron, selenium, copper, vitamins A, C, B6, E & folic acid alter your immune responses. People who eat often have fewer varieties of these micronutrients in their body which weakens their immune system.
Eating a low-carbohydrate diet (fruits & vegetables) will give one a variety of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phytonutrients which helps in fighting infection. Zinc is found on red meat, fruits, fiber, and vegetables.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin-D is a fat-soluble vitamin that majorly helps in calcium absorption, promoting mineralization & growth of bones. It also helps in various operations of your immune, circulatory, digestive & nervous systems. Vitamin D is gotten from the sun’s UV-B rays, Fatty fish mushrooms, seafood, and egg yolk.
Garlic:
Garlic bulb has an allicin compound that is released just when crushed & left to stay for some time before using it in cooking. This will greatly help in fighting bacteria.
Ginger:
Ginger helps in decreasing inflammation. This helps in reducing a sore throat & other inflammatory-related diseases.
Broccoli:
Broccoli is super-packed with essential vitamins which include A, C, & E. It also has many antioxidants & fiber.
3. Stay Hydrated:
Being hydrated is more important to your body and it is simple to do. It is always recommended that you take 2 liters of water every day. Several metabolic tasks depend on water. Water is a major component of blood that is utilized in supplying body cells with nutrients & oxygen. It also helps in carrying waste out of your body.
Water will also help in regulating body temperature. It also helps in lubricating joints and cushions in your vital organs. Fruits that are rich in water include watermelon, cucumber, zucchini, strawberries, grapefruits & lettuce.
4. Reduce Stress:
When you are stressed your body will give out stress hormones tax the immunity of your body. This will expose your body to viral infections. Stress affects the generation of lymphocytes putting one at danger of viral-disease.
5. Don’t Smoke:
Smoking tobacco involves more negative effects on your immune system’s health. This will expose you to infections such as influenza and pneumonia. Furthermore, smoking lowers the level of defensive antioxidants which includes vitamin C in your blood.
6. Have Enough Sleep:
Research shows that people who don’t get sufficient sleep are likely to get sick when infected by a virus. When we sleep our body discharges proteins which are known as cytokines while less sleep reduces their production. Cytokines are beneficial at times of inflammation or infections. Furthermore, the production of antibodies & immune cells is reduced when one doesn’t get adequate sleep. An adult should sleep for 6 to 8 hours while kids can sleep for up to 10 hours.
Conclusion:
Our immune system is made to fight diseases causing organisms. So that our immune system should be healthy and strong, we should be exercising our body, eat a healthy balanced diet, reduce stress and get enough rest when we are tired. With all these practices, our immune system will be strong and ready to fight viruses and bacteria including coronavirus.