Boost your Immune System the right way
Inundated with ads and misinformation playing on our fears of getting Corona virus means that many of us are unsure what is right and what is hype.
Doing what we can to improve our immune system while is no guarantee that we wont get it will certainly help improve our overall health and wellness. Starting with making sure we are adhering to all the public health guidelines around mask wearing, hand washing, staying at a safe distance and then help it a little more with the following tips.. There is no one thing only rather a combination of a few things we can do to give our immune system a boost. And while there is no harm taking a good all round multivit it is not a substitute for the following.
Vitamins and Minerals - EAT MORE FRUIT AND VEG!
Also known as micro nutrients these help support everything from muscle growth, cell repair and regeneration and a healthy immune system, . Vitamins include fat-soluble (A,D, E and K) and water-soluble (B and C). We need a constant supply of water-soluble vitamins whereas the fat-soluble ones will remain in the body for longer periods of time. Minerals include calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, etc., and are again required in small quantities. Our body can’t manufacture them so they need to be consumed for healthy bones, optimal hormone production and a strong immune system.
The simplest way for optimal intake of vitamins and minerals is to eat a balanced diet with enough fruit and veg. and while we could get what we need in pill form, this would mean we don’t eat enough fibre which we know has a massive list of benefits to our body. Also we would be missing out on naturally occurring protective substances, such as phytochemicals (important sources of antioxidants which slow down oxidation, a process that leads to cell and tissue damage).
Eat a little more protein
We use protein mainly for the production of new tissue and repair of old tissue. It is also a constituent of the enzymes that are vital for digestion and immunity, as well as optimal hormonal production and balance. If you think you need to up your protein add a boiled or scrambled egg for breakfast or some oats if you aren’t a fan. Include a protein source at lunch time and you are well on your way to improving how you feel.
Get some daylight
Working from home coupled with limiting our movements has meant that we have been working a lot and not getting out enough. Lack of natural light plays havoc with our circadian patterns - our internal unique body clock which helps us sleep, regulates hormones, and our energy levels.. If our energy is low we are less inclined to look after ourselves and that will have a knock on effect on our immune system so make sure to prioritise getting outside for a few minutes every day for our mental and body health.
Sort out your Sleep
Sleep has a very strong impact on overall health including our immune system. Sleep deprived people tend to have higher inflammatory markers and new research is emerging on the role of sleep especially deep sleep and immunological memory. Basically we NEED sleep so sort it out if it is not good, starting with getting to bed an a respectable hour.
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