Nicole Marie Valdez
The whole world is currently taking precautions toward COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus, as it continues to spread globally. Amid this spread, we need to take care of our bodies and boost our immunity to avoid putting our health in jeopardy.
Here are 6 simple steps you can follow to start strengthening your immune system.
1. Eat foods high in vitamin C, plus multivitamins.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is an excellent immunity booster. Since Vitamin C cannot be produced in your bodies, you need to eat foods that are enriched with Vitamin C. Oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and strawberries are common sources tthat you can take. Drinking fresh, unsweetened orange juice can also help boost it.
You can also take vitamin C tablet daily. Complement it with multivitamin supplements, which help supplement nutrients that we are unable to get from o9ur diet. Be sure to only take supplements prescribed by doctors.
2. Wash hands thoroughly.
One of things most of us tend to neglectis washing our hands before and after we eat. It would be great for us to practice these healthy habits to avoid getting infected with bacteria, viruses, and germs that are spreading.
According to the Department of Health or DOH, it’s ideal to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, lather it well with antibacterial soap and applying friction.
If handwashing is not an option, use tissue when touching surfaces, then use at least 60% alcohol or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Drink 8 glasses of water and eat healthy foods.
Let’s admit it: Some of us simply settle for comfort foods and fast food. We have to remind ourselves that we don’t eat just to satisfy our hunger and cravings. Our bodies need sustenance to function well. Drinking enough water and eating healthy foods are essential for living.
Let’s not wait before sickness or a horrifying diagnosis wakes us up before we do so. Taking care of our bodies should be a priority especially nowadays that there is a pandemic.
4. Get enough sleep.
Adults need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep per day to function efficiently. Sleep is crucial for regulating functions in the body. Constant lack of sleep may weaken your immune system and lead to complicated illnesses in the future.
And not only is sleeping beneficial for your health, but beauty rest can make your skin glow too!
Make it a point to eliminate distractions at bedtime and consciously make an effort to lie down before it’s past bedtime.
5. Lessen stress.
Stress is unavoidable but it’s manageable. You can slowly change your lifestyle into a healthy one by choosing to lessen stress in your life. Whether it’s demanding work or a stressful home life, meditating or a new hobby can help release stress. You can also try dancing or working out as a stress reliever.
6. Avoid traveling abroad (for now).
According to the DOH, COVID19 is airborne, meaning it can stay in the atmosphere and infect for up to 72 hours. People who have illnesses or respiratory problems, as well as the elderly and very young, are likely to catch the virus, thus doctors advise everyone to stay at home or practice precautions like wearing face masks and boosting your immune system.
Better safe than sorry. It would be wise to cancel or postpone future travel plans while coronavirus is still out there. If you have already booked a flight in advance, many airlines offer free rebooking these days.
