With COVID-19 spreading throughout the world like wildfire in the past months, many people are reevaluating their health now more than ever– specifically that of their immune system. A crucial, yet often overlooked part of the body, the immune system is the body’s primary line of defense against all sorts of infections. However, it is often overlooked by people in their attempts to get healthier, and we are unsure why. Now, more than ever, fortifying the immune system with the proper alimentation, and adapting one’s lifestyle to one of more activity and health, can only serve to help in the fight against disease.
Thus far, treatment for coronavirus has only been symptomatic. That means that they have only been able to treat the symptoms of the disease, because they are still unable to devise a drug that will be able to kill the disease itself. This is an issue, yes, but it also means that, like the common cold or strains of the flu, it falls upon the immune system to get rid of COVID-19 within the body. This has many people begging the question: Just how can I strengthen my own immune system?
It is the cornerstone of remaining healthy, and there are many things that people can proactively do to ensure that any disease has a difficult time rooting itself in the body. First and foremost, one of the primary detriments to immune health and modulation is stress. When stressors exist within the body, it makes the immune system’s responses weaker and slower to fight infection, which ultimately allows viruses and bacteria the opportunity to replicate within the body and begin to wreck noticeable havoc. Thusly, anything that a person can do to reduce stress in their life, be it exercising, adopting a more organized routine, or simply getting more sleep, is sure to leave a person feeling both healthier and happier.
Of course, that is not to say that stress is the only factor. The immune system can be given nutrients and vitamins just like the body’s other functions in order to make sure it is performing as expediently as it can. On top of an active, stress-free lifestyle, it can be beneficial to increase intake of the following nutrients:
Vitamin C: The most well-known immune booster available, the health benefits of Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) have long been extolled, and it is necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues, and is also one of the cornerstones of proper immune health. It is found in citrus fruits, and is widely available through over-the-counter supplements.
Vitamin D3:Vitamin D is responsible for increasing the intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, as well as strengthens the immune system. It is important for building and maintaining strong bones, and is naturally produced by the body when exposed to sunlight.
Probiotics: In addition to their well-known benefits for aiding digestion, probiotics have also been known to fortify immune health.
Zinc: Zinc supports over one hundred different enzyme functions within the human body– from the development of healthy tissue, to wound recovery after the everyday wear and tear that the body experiences. It assists the immune system in fighting off bacteria and viruses, and is also required by the body to create proteins and DNA.