How to boost the immune system during COVID-19

Rose May Pimentel in Health

May 09, 2020 • 2 min Read

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has infected more than 10,000 people in the Philippines as of writing. It is more important now than ever to maintain a healthy lifestyle. How can we improve our immune system especially now with the threat of COVID-19?

Here are some tips from Healthline to strengthen our immunity naturally:

1. Get enough sleep

Inadequate sleep may increase your risk of getting sick. Most adults should get at least 7 hours of sleep per night.

2. Eat more whole plant foods

Several whole plant foods contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, all of which may lower your susceptibility to illness.

3. Eat more healthy fats

Healthy fats like olive oil and omega-3s are highly anti-inflammatory. Since chronic inflammation can suppress your immune system, these fats may naturally combat illnesses.

4. Eat more fermented foods or take a probiotic supplement

Gut health and immunity are deeply interconnected. Fermented foods and probiotics may bolster your immune system by helping it identify and target harmful pathogens.

5. Limit added sugars

Added sugars contribute significantly to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, all of which can suppress your immune system. Lowering your sugar intake may decrease inflammation and your risk of these conditions.

6. Engage in moderate exercise

Moderate exercise can reduce inflammation and promote the healthy turnover of immune cells. The simplest way to work out at home is to use your own body — bodyweight exercises with no equipment needed.

7. Stay hydrated

Given that dehydration can make you more susceptible to illness, be sure you are drinking plenty of water each day.

8. Manage your stress levels

Lowering your stress levels through meditation, yoga, exercise, and other practices can help keep your immune system functioning properly.

9. Supplement wisely

Though some supplements may fight viral infections, none has been proven effective against COVID-19. If you decide to supplement, make sure to purchase products that have been tested by a third party

During this quarantine, let us make the most out of our time by improving our overall health. Remember, however, that a healthy lifestyle does not have some magical quality that will keep you safe from infection. You still need to wash your hands and practice social distancing to prevent the spread of this new virus. And, have a healthy lifestyle for life, not for the coronavirus.