5 important things to boost your immunity to fight against corona virus
It’s been nearly 18 months since the pandemic has hit the earth. And while the countries are grappling with imminent dangers that this virus poses to humanity, there are few key measures that individuals can take to fight this pandemic.
While it is very important to mention about washing your hands frequently, using an alcohol sanitizer, wearing a mask (cover your nose and mouth) and avoiding touching your hand or mouth. There are also certain methods to improve your immunity which is paramount at this moment.
1. Improve Your Diet
The food you will eat during this time will play a key role in determining your overall health and immunity. Eating low carb diet would help in controlling high blood sugar and pressure. A low carb diet will help slow down diabetes and focus on a protein-rich diet to keep you in good shape.
Natural Anti-virus & anti-oxidants food: Tulsi leaves, star anise (a spice), garlic, and ginger are some of the natural anti-virus food items which gives protection from seasonal flu as well. For boosting immunity and flushing out toxins, Regularly consume vegetables and fruits rich in Beta carotene, Ascorbic acid & other essential vitamins. Certain foods like mushrooms, tomato, bell pepper and green vegetables like broccoli, spinach are also good options to build resilience in the body against infections.
Vitamins: Low levels of micronutrients have been associated with adverse clinical outcomes during viral infections. Therefore, to maximize the nutritional defense against infections, a daily allowance of vitamins and trace elements for malnourished patients at risk of or diagnosed with COVID-19 may be beneficial. Recent studies on COVID-19 patients have shown that vitamin D and selenium deficiencies are evident in patients with acute respiratory tract infections.
Among all other Vitamins, Vitamin C and Vitamin D play a major role in strengthening one's immunity. For the same, one should have more citrus fruits and vegetables like Amla, Lemon, Orange and others. Vitamin C increases antiviral cytokines and free radical formation, decreasing viral yield. It also attenuates excessive inflammatory responses and hyperactivation of immune cells.
Zinc: It is another nutrient that helps your immune system and metabolism function. Zinc is essential for the integrity of the immune system, with an important role in the maintenance, development and activation of cells during innate and adaptive immune responses. Another important function of zinc is its direct antiviral activity, which makes it essential for the immune response upon viral infection. Increased intracellular concentration of this mineral can reduce the replication of a variety of RNA viruses and interfere with the viral proteolytic processing of polyproteins. An individual can either take Zinc supplements or inculcate in their diet through cashews, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, among others.