1. Get Enough Sleep!
It’s no secret that sleep and immunity go hand in hand. Lack of sleep or inadequate sleep makes us more susceptible to getting sick. If you are having trouble sleeping, check out these tips on how you can change your sleep routine to get a good night’s rest!
2. Eat Healthy Whole Plant Foods (NOT packaged)
Whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that may give you an upper hand against harmful pathogens. Processed food causes inflammation, so adding high antioxidant foods helps decrease inflammation by combatting unstable compounds called free radicals.
Bonus: Not only do fruits and vegetables contain rich nutrients like vitamin C, they also are high in fiber to help your gut microbiome. A robust gut microbiome improves your immune system to help keep harmful pathogens from entering your body via your digestive tract.
3. Exercise
Exercise is a major immune booster. Right now, during COVID-19, it may seem difficult to get into a new routine because all the gyms are closed and let’s face it – some people are “classes only” people. Just like a healthy diet, exercise can contribute to general good health and therefore a healthy immune system. It may contribute even more directly by promoting good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently.
4. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
Hydration is always essential, but it’s even more essential to be drinking water when you are sick and losing fluids. According to a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Christian Gonzalez, water “helps carry oxygen to your cells, which results in properly functioning systems, preventing toxic build-up in the body.”
5. Take Your Supplements
Supplements and vitamins may be another simple way to support immunity. Elderberries, for example, are rich in antioxidants and have been used for centuries as a natural remedy. Whether you are feeling sick or not, stock up on items such as elderberry syrup and Vitamin C, D, E, and B6.
6. Stress LESS
We all need to stress less. Stress causes an abnormal influx in the amount of cortisol which causes inflammation. One proven way to help combat the blues is to meditate. There are plenty of tools (apps are one) that will teach and help you incorporate meditation into everyday life.
As you can see, there are many different, natural ways to boost your immune system from home (especially while quarantined).