Due to the new coronavirus, many stress the importance of a healthy immune system (COVID-19). The immune system fights off viruses and bacteria. Vaccines prevent many diseases. Vaccination reduces the chances of getting COVID-19 and passing it on, which helps keep people from getting sick or dying. Mild to moderate COVID can be treated with medicines and natural cures. We can fight off the infection by lowering our stress and getting healthier and more robust.
Ways to make the immune system stronger
Use these healthy habits to boost your immune system:
Exercise regularly
Fitness experts say that you should be active for at least 150 minutes a week at a moderate level.
Feeding a balanced, healthy diet with much fruits and vegetables.
Use MyPlate to figure out how much and what healthy foods you should eat.
Keeping a healthy weight
A body mass index of 25 or less is healthy. The best way to lose weight is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and do more physical activities. Find out the best ways to keep a healthy diet and save money.
Getting enough quality sleep
You must set up and stick to a regular sleep pattern to have good sleep hygiene. Here are some more things you can do to improve the quality of your sleep. Find out how much sleep different age groups need.
Stress and anxiety relief
Connecting with people you care about, spending time in nature (as long as you take all the safety precautions you need), often meditating, being physically active, and having hobbies like making art can all help you deal with stress in healthy ways.
Quitting smoking
You can get support to stop smoking if you are a smoker.
Moderate alcohol use
It will help if you cut down on how much alcohol you have or how much you drink.
Taking steps to keep from getting sick
Among these steps are washing hands more and spending less time with other people.
Supplements for a Healthy Immune System
Along with the lifestyle and behavior changes above, your doctor suggests using the following things in moderation to boost your immune system.
- Vitamin C has been shown to lessen the common cold’s severity and duration and work as a natural allergy medication and anti-inflammatory. This suggests it may help fight viral, microbial, and other infections.
- Taking vitamin D, one of the essential minerals for strengthening the immune system, can make it less likely that you will get a cold or the flu. To take it, it has to be a part of your daily life. Read on to find out what happens when you don’t get enough vitamin D.
- Vitamin A can help the body fight off infections, especially respiratory infections when used for a short time.
- Zinc can help treat the common cold faster and less severe if taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms.
- Selenium is an essential mineral for the immune system, and the Brazil nut is a good source. Selenium assists the body fight off infections and cancer because it is an antioxidant.
- Raw honey is good for treating minor pain and inflammation in the mouth and nose because it kills bacteria and reduces swelling. Add a teaspoon of honey to a cup of tea or hot water with a squeeze of lemon to relieve a cough or soothe a sore throat.
- Garlic, garlic extract that has been aged, or another form of garlic may help worsen the common cold and other viral illnesses of the upper respiratory tract.
- Probiotics are “good bacteria” supplements that help keep the digestive system healthy and change how the immune system works. They help a lot to reduce the number of respiratory infections that young children get.
You may also be able to get sick less often if you do the following:
Beta-glucans
Try beta-glucans, shown in many human studies, to increase activity and fight viral infections. Compared to a placebo, it reduces the number of people who get the common cold, the flu, as well as other diseases of the upper respiratory system.
Mushrooms
There is evidence that many mushrooms help the immune system work better. Some medicinal mushrooms you can get are Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, Maitake, and Reishi.
Berberine
The natural compound berberine, which is found in many plants’ roots, rhizomes, and stem bark, has been shown to stop the growth of viruses and reduce inflammation. Oregon grape, ginseng root, and goldthread all have it.
Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane works well to reduce inflammation and fight viruses. Supplements of glucoraphanin and myrosinase, found in cruciferous vegetables, can help the body make more of what it needs.
Elderberry
Scientists have found that elderberries can fight viruses. Try a capsule or pill with much less sugar instead of syrup.
Conclusion
Know that these are just things to think about. Talk to your doctor before you try, or only use them as they tell you to. If you feel sick, don’t put off going to the doctor. They can tell you if your symptoms can be treated at home or if you need more advanced care. Many providers now offer telemedicine services.
