With the outbreak of COVID-19, many are struggling to adjust to a new normal. Self-isolation, social distancing, and curfews have become synonymous with day to day life. News about the coronavirus, including how it spreads, its symptoms, and its compound factors are continuously evolving. People around the world may start to feel helpless with how they can fight and prevent the virus.
While there is currently no cure, one of the best ways to combat coronavirus is by ensuring your immune system is as strong as possible. Your immune system kills bacteria, and as coronavirus cases continue to skyrocket, it's important for you to take your health into your own hands and adopt immune boosting practices.
"I know it's stressful right now, but if you're willing to do the things that you need to do to help your body and help your immune system, you're helping everyone," said Dr. Sean Tracy with New Life Healthcare in Jacksonville. "You're helping the community because you're flattening the curve."
Here are simple ways you can boost your immune system:
Avoid Prescription Painkillers
When possible, avoid prescription painkillers. First and foremost, it's no secret that America is experiencing an opioid epidemic. Every year, thousands of people die due to an opioid-related death, and many who cannot afford opioids graduate to harmful street drugs like heroin. Addiction risks aside, painkillers like Morphine have been known to have adverse effects on the immune system.
"Morphine can decrease the effectiveness of several functions of both natural and adaptive immunity, and significantly reduces cellular immunity," reads one study on opioids and the immune system. "Indeed, in animal studies morphine is consistently associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to infection and worsening of cancer."
Instead, consider turning to safer methods of pain management. "Discovering the right pain management solutions takes time and research, but will be worth the effort in health," says Jan Wellmann, who created a revolutionary pain relief product called the WaveLife Energy Cell, which you can purchase here. "We designed this product as a safe, non-invasive way to treat pain. Instead of using complicated chemical compounds, the Energy Cell uses vital field technology to help stimulate the body's natural healing capabilities."
Change Your Diet
Your diet habits play a large role in the health of your immune system. Fortunately, there are simple and smart changes you can make to boost your immune system through good dietary habits. For example, the Department of U.S Agriculture found that one cup of chopped red bell peppers contains about 211% of your daily value of vitamin C. Vitamin C supports many vital cell functions that lower the risk of respiratory infections and help repair and grow tissues in the body. Because your body doesn't produce vitamin C naturally, finding other sources is necessary.
Chickpeas is a great protein that provides essential amino acids responsible for maintaining the enzymes that keep our systems flowing properly, and are packed with zinc, which helps regulate and control immune system responses. Garlic helps lower the risk of heart disease, spinach is rich with immune cell-protecting antioxidants, and yogurt is a powerful source of probiotics. Check out this list of superfoods that help boost the immune system.
Maintain a Sleep Schedule
A good night's rest if often underrated, and many don't recognize how lack of sleep has a damaging domino effect on your physical and mental health. Several studies have shown that people who don't get enough sleep are more likely to be exposed to a virus. This is because as you sleep, your immune system releases cytokines, a protein that helps fight infections, inflammations, and stress. Furthermore, cells and other infection-fighting antibodies are diminished when you don't get an adequate amount of sleep.
Stay Hydrated
Water is life-promoting, and yet studies have found that most Americans aren't getting enough water each day. Water is such an important immune system booster because it carries oxygen to your body cells and helps remove toxins from the body. Adding a simple slice of lemon helps detoxify the body and gives it an added dose of Vitamin C. You can also drink tea to get your appropriate dose of water while layering different antioxidants-for instance, green tea and chamomile tea have been known to help support the immune system.
Avoid Excessive Drinking
Research has shown that alcohol sales have gone up. During the week of March 15-22 alone, sales spiked by 55% nationwide. More people are stocking up, and many are turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety during questionable times. However, unhealthy alcohol consumption can be hazardous for your immune system. The microbiome in your gut helps you fight off harmful diseases. When you drink, bacteria-fighting cells that line your gut are compromised, and your body experiences difficulty sorting bad bacteria from good bacteria. This also allows alcohol to more easily pass into the bloodstream.
