The principles involved in boosting your immune system are quite simple.
Coronavirus has everyone on edge. Many people are asking what precautions they can take to protect themselves from coronavirus. While lifestyle is a key precaution, it is also very important to focus on boosting your immune system with nutrition.
By boosting your immune system through lifestyle and good nutrition, it is likely that you would experience fewer viral infections.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Reduce exposure and boost your immune system. This includes:
- washing hands and social distancing
- adequate sleep
- regular exercise
- manage stress
- eat a healthy, clean diet
Nutrition Considerations For Boosting Your Immune System
Many people do not realize just how significantly our diet can boost our immune system.
A few years ago, I wrote a blog and shared 8 Powerful Immune Booster Foods
Current research shows several other foods are particularly effective at fighting off viruses, including coronavirus.
Here are 5 foods to add to your diet now:
Elderberries
Elderberry is a strong antiviral loaded with antioxidants and vitamins for boosting your immune system.
In one study of adults with flu-like symptoms, those who took 15 ml of the elderberry syrup four times daily had their symptoms clear up four days earlier than those who took a placebo syrup.
Garlic
Garlic’s immune-boosting properties come from a heavy concentration of compounds, such as allicin.
A study that had some participants take garlic extract for 90 days found that the garlic group experienced reduce cold and flu severity, with a reduction in the number of symptoms, and less work/school days missed due to sickness.
Sage
Sage has been used for centuries as a traditional herbal remedy for coughs and colds.
Compounds in sage are particularly adept at breaking up mucus formation. By boosting your immune system, it therefore helps you recover faster from viruses.
Oats
Oats are a great source of selenium and zinc which are two key ingredients for a hardy immune system.
Several studies show that beta-glucan, a compound found in whole oats, enhances the immune system’s ability to ward off a wide range of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Olive Oil
Two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil each day does wonders for immune health.
A study that compared the effects of daily consumption of olive oil, to soybean, corn and butter, found a significant increase in virus-busting white blood cells among participants who consumed olive oil.
Supplements for Immune Health
Supplements will not cure a virus, but can be a preventive measure and also help fight it off faster if you are exposed.
It is not always possible to eat enough immune-boosting foods, such as garlic. If you prefer to take supplements, there are several I recommend.
Please see my recommendations here
(Enter a user name and password then click on ‘Shop Dispensary’ – the first 9 products are noted as “favorite” – these are my recommendations for immune health)
If you decide to take supplements now, make a plan for later to incorporate the food-boosters into your diet. Your immune system will be healthier.
In conclusion, boosting your immune system is the number one step you can take against viral infections, including the coronavirus. Lifestyle, including diet, and good nutrition play a major role in immune health.
Recommendations for immune health
If you are trying to eat clean and healthy, a summer barbeque may seem like a challenge. With a few easy strategies, you can eat clean and healthy all summer long.