Covid-19 has overtaken our lives lately and has changed the way that we do everyday life. Although there are so many things that have gone wrong due to this virus, I can’t help but think of the positive things that have come of this pandemic. I have never seen a time where people are so invested in keeping themselves healthy in hopes to fight off whatever may come their way.
More people are washing their hands, people are making homemade hand sanitizer (How amazing!), and the three Juicerys’ near us can’t keep up with the demand for green juice! I love how many people are prioritizing their health and asking, “How can I keep myself healthy during these time?”
Being proactive about our health is always a priority for our family, so we have established some everyday habits that help keep our immune systems strong for when sickness may arise. We know that we are going to get sick at some point, so we ask ourselves, what can we do now to help us fight it off faster and not spread it to others. Here are 5 habits that can help boost your immune system during these scary times.
- Eat Clean + Cook from Scratch
- Food is our #1 defense against disease. We have to eat, so it’s important to choose foods that will help build our immune system, not harm it. Foods to help build your immune system include leafy greens, onions, garlic, mushrooms, salmon, turmeric and many more. The key to keeping your immune system strong is eating real whole foods, and avoiding processed, packaged, + foods with sugar.
- Food is our #1 defense against disease. We have to eat, so it’s important to choose foods that will help build our immune system, not harm it. Foods to help build your immune system include leafy greens, onions, garlic, mushrooms, salmon, turmeric and many more. The key to keeping your immune system strong is eating real whole foods, and avoiding processed, packaged, + foods with sugar.
- Supplement where needed
- Supplements are not a replacement for a poor diet. They are there to supplement what may be lacking in your whole foods. Some key supplements that can help with immune function are Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, Probiotics, and Vitamin B. Seeking out a qualified practitioner is important to help you determine what supplements are best for you.
- Use Elderberry Syrup
- Elderberries are a dark berry found on trees that are native to South America. This dark and healing berry is commonly used as a preventative measure during cold and flu season. We cook up a few batches of this recipe every fall so that we are stocked throughout the winter months.
- Stay Active
- Physical activity has been proven to help decrease inflammation in the body and increase the body’s immune function through changes in white blood cells. Moderate exercise has been shown to help decrease our risk for sickness. Find something you love, whether that be lifting weights, walking, or simply dancing. Any physical activity is better than nothing.
- Get your zzzz’s
- Cytokines are a type of protein that target infections and inflammation which is a key part of our immune response. These proteins are produced and released while we sleep, so when we have poor sleep, we lack this natural defense against disease. It’s important to sleep the recommended 7-8 hours/night and if you can’t get that, it may help to take a nap, no more than 30 minutes long. Make this a priority!
Boosting your immune system can be a simple as adding in these 5 habits to your daily lifestyle. This is not a guarantee that you won’t get sick, but it will help you fight off sickness quicker than if you weren’t taking care of yourself. So keep washing your hands, keeping drinking your green juice, and add in these daily habits and you’re on track to kick this Covid-19 for good!
The information on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a medical concern or condition, please contact your healthcare professional.
