As concerns about COVID-19 continue to rise, online searches for information on how to protect yourself from the virus have also begun to rise. Besides proper handwashing, what other steps can you take to improve your health?
One aspect of your health that you have a lot of control over is your immune system. Your immune system is the first line of defense against infection.
The immune system has two components: the innate system, which is present at birth; and the adaptive, or acquired, system, which develops in response to exposure to “outside invaders.”
These days there’s so much information out there. So, to help you stay healthy, we’ve decided to pull out some top tips to help your body fight back against germs and bugs.
1. Live a healthy lifestyle.
It is not surprising that engaging in a healthy lifestyle leads to a healthy immune system. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly are all parts of staying healthy. It also means not smoking and limiting the amount of alcohol you consume. A healthy lifestyle is the best way to keep your immune system operating at full capacity. Taking care of your body is like operating any other complex system. If you follow the instructions and treat your body with the care it deserves, it will work better.
2. Sleeping well.
When we sleep, our minds and bodies can repair themselves. A healthy immune system can better fight off infections than a sleep-deprived immune system. Adults should get between six to eight hours of sleep a night. Sleep in a totally dark room and keep a regular bedtime routine. Melatonin supplements may be considered for those who have trouble sleeping.
3. Natural immunity aids such as essential oils may be effective.
Essential oils are gaining a reputation for their health benefits, including boosting immune system function. Eucalyptus and tea tree oils have been called out for their ability to help ward off viral infections. To receive the benefits of these oils, add a few drops to an oil diffuser or to a warm bath or shower. You could also add these oils to a homemade hand sanitizer, and absorb the ingredients through your skin.
4. Lower your stress levels.
Lowering your stress levels year-round is important to maintaining good health, but practicing amid this virus outbreak, in particular, is crucial as stress directly impacts your immune system. Researchers suggest that you can lower stress levels by meditating, exercising, and employing breathing techniques.
5. Having a positive attitude.
In an uncertain world, our responses to current events and day-to-day interactions can affect our immune systems. A positive mindset and attitude can lead to better overall health and well-being, including improved immune health. The more stress we put on our minds and bodies, the worse our immune systems will function.
Bonus:
We all love to have tea with our friends and families, don't we? Immunity Tea is a traditional rejuvenating tea containing the highly processed essence of Ashwagandha, a.k.a. Withania Somnifera, a powerful herb commonly used as an adaptogen. Ashwagandha is a very important herb in Ayurveda, an Indian system of natural healing. It helps reverse the body’s stress response.
Our health care workers combat the Covid-19 pandemic, so we can help by limiting our exposure to the virus by staying indoors, social distancing, eating healthy, hydrating, and following basic hygiene protocol.
