Although the medical community has made some progress in regards to the treatment of COVID-19, one of the best things Burlington residents can do to protect their health is to ensure they have a strong immune system to help them avoid getting the virus – or at least to minimize the severity of the disease if they do catch the virus.
Given that some experts are speculating that we will experience a second wave of COVID – particularly with the start of school just around the corner – doing all you can to boost your immunity is essential.
The following are six immunity boosting tips to help keep you safe and healthy.
1. Exercise to boost your immune system
Regular exercise does more than just help you look good in a swimsuit. It is also incredibly important for your immune system. According to a study in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, exercise not only helps to reduce inflammation, but it also triggers the body to activate natural killer cells that are needed to destroy viruses.
2. Get adequate sleep for better immunity
Ever hear the expression “sick and tired”? Well, as it turns out, a lack of sleep really can contribute to illness. When you sleep, your immune system releases cytokines. Cytokines are a type of protein needed to help fight infection. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces less of these proteins, which makes you more vulnerable to getting sick.
3. Proper nutrition and a healthy diet improve immunity
It should also come as no surprise that a healthy diet is essential to keep your immune system functioning at optimal levels. As much as possible, stick to a diet of healthy, whole foods and avoid overly processed and sugary snacks. Some of the best foods for your immune system include cruciferous vegetables, citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, and green tea.
4. Reduce stress and practise mindfulness
Did you know that some experts believe that stress is responsible for up to 90% of all illness? While stress is a natural response to danger to help keep us safe, being in a chronic state of stress is not healthy. It contributes to inflammation and suppresses the immune system. Learning coping strategies such as the practice of mindfulness can help to reduce stress and protect our immune systems.
5. Boost your immune system with supplements
Although we might like to get all the nutrients we need through our diet, this is simply not possible for most people living in Burlington. Supplements can be a great way to help our bodies get what they are missing. Vitamin D, for example, is a nutrient that most North Americans are deficient in. While we get it naturally from the sun, many of us who work all day indoors simply don’t get enough. One solution is to supplement with Atoma Vitamin D tabs (1000IU – two tablets daily).
Other immunity boosting supplements include Atoma time-released Vitamin C (1000mg – 1 tablet daily) and Atoma Probiotic Caps 10 billion (1 capsule daily).
Vitamin A and E are also good for immune support, but these are fat-soluble and should, therefore, be consumed through diet rather than supplementation. Good sources of Vitamin A include salmon, mackerel, eggs, cheese, sweet potatoes, and kale. Good sources of Vitamin E include seeds and nuts, avocado, rainbow trout and kiwifruit.
6. Get the recommended vaccinations
Finally, you should make sure that your vaccinations are up to date. For adults age 50 and older, consider getting the Prevenar13 injection to prevent respiratory illness. Just one shot is good for life. And remember that flu shots will be available soon. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what other vaccinations they recommend for you.
Talk to one of our pharmacists today and be sure to ask about the Immunity Boosting Supplements & Injections available at Brant Arts.
