Simple Yet Effective Ways to Boost Our Immune Systems During the Time of the Pandemic

Many people are left scrambling to find the most effective way to boost their immune system because of the widespread threat of the coronavirus. However, upon googling, they may have immediately realized that there’s no one supplement that can do the job.

Indeed, strengthening the immune system, which is made up of tissues, organs, and cells, is mainly focused on making healthy choices. It is anchored on what we put inside or what we do on our bodies. Here are some tips that can help you ward off infections and pathogens:

Handle Stress Well

Contrary to popular opinion, stress affects every aspect of our wellbeing. Many research have shown that it is linked to our immune system.

Whenever we’re stressed, our bodies release all sorts of chemicals – dopamine, adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine. However, these hormones decrease our white blood cells’ abilities to fight the bad guys, making us susceptible to diseases.

Yuttana Jaowattana/Shutterstock Manage stress by practicing yoga

Unfortunately, stress is a part of our daily lives but what we can do is to handle stressors well. Meditation, yoga, and practicing mindfulness are some effective ways to deal with this problem.

Get Sufficient Sleep

Sleep isn’t merely for the weak – it’s for everybody. It is during our shuteye that our bodies rest, which means it is also the time that we fight off infections and inflammations.

Whenever we sleep, our bodies are actually busy doing repairs so that we will feel refreshed and renewed upon waking up. When we lack quality and enough shuteye, our health will suffer because of chronic inflammation, which will result in a weak immune system.

Eat Healthily

As cliché as it may sound, fruits and vegetables should consist a huge chunk of your meals. Doctors keep reminding you this for a reason: these healthy foods are filled with vitamins and minerals that can boost your immune system.

Dikushin Dmitry/Shutterstock Eat ‘colorful’ fruits and vegetables

One way to ensure you’re getting enough antioxidants and minerals is by incorporating the ‘rainbow’ code in your diet. This includes cherries or grapes, green kiwi, red apples, limes, pears, bananas, and many other colorful fruits and veggies.

Quit Smoking

Although smokers feel that cigarettes can alleviate stress, it actually does more harm than good. This vice destroys antibodies in our bloodstream thereby making our bodies inefficient in fighting infections.

This is also very important now that we are facing a pandemic. Since the COVID-19 wreaks havoc in our respiratory system, it is all the more crucial for people to cease smoking.

Stay Active

Goran Bogicevic/Shutterstock Exercise reduces inflammation

Time and time again, experts have advised us to remain active. Apart from keeping our weight normal, exercising decreases inflammation and in turn, boosts our immune system.