Health is always a top concern for many individuals. From getting vaccines to taking medications when medical issues come up, people have always seen the importance of their own and their community’s health. Such concerns have risen in the past few months in light of the rise in preventable diseases such as measles in the past year.
This year, another important health-related event has taken the world by storm: the emergence of a new strain of the coronavirus dubbed as COVID-19. Because of this, it is important to boost your immune system to avoid contracting illnesses that could make you vulnerable to the virus. Here’s what you can do:
5 Helpful Ways to Improve Your Immune System
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Eat Healthily
Food one of the main sources of vitamins and nutrients for your body. From fruits and vegetables to items that are rich in carbohydrates and proteins, eating the right kinds of food is a great way to ensure the strength of your immune system. When eating healthy, making it a point to consume food items that are rich in Vitamins C, B6 and E. You can include citrus fruits, chicken and fish, and spinach to improve your immunity to diseases.
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Do Not Be Afraid to Take Supplements
Say, you cannot get food items that are necessary to boost your system. A great way to compensate for this is to take supplements. Multivitamins are the best sources of various vitamins and minerals that not only makes your immunity stronger but also gives you the energy you need to get through the day. You can also take supplements for specific vitamins.
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Get Enough Exercise and Sleep
You want to make sure that you get up and exercise even just for a few minutes every day. This helps improve your body’s condition by flushing out bacteria from your lungs and airways. It also helps produce antibodies that combat diseases. Moreover, exercising helps you destress and release happy hormones, which you need to get your body in a bacteria- and virus-fighting condition.
Aside from getting enough physical activity, sleeping adequately also helps improve your immunity. Remember, lack of sleep and fatigue lowers your body’s ability to fight off foreign elements that can make you sick. By getting enough sleep, you not only wake up feeling refreshed but also ensures that your immune system is ready to go.
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Protect Yourself and Others Around You
It is not enough that you take care of yourself. In many cases, people contract diseases because bacteria and viruses are passed on to them by infected individuals around them. Because of this, you want to make sure that you are adequately protected if you expect to interact with sick individuals or if you yourself are sick. In the case of COVID-19, only those who interact with patients and those suspected to be infected should wear masks.
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Practice Proper Hygiene
Another important thing you can do to improve and protect your immune system is your practice proper hygiene all the time. After all, you are not sure what type of microorganisms are on surfaces you touch such as doorknobs and railings in public transportation. It would not hurt to use alcohol or hand sanitizers after touching such objects. Moreover, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly or take a bath after being exposed to a huge crowd.
There is no better time to start boosting your immune system than now. By following these tips, you can ensure your body’s protection against diseases. If in case you get sick, you are sure that your body can fight off such illnesses effectively.