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Youve probably heard these phrases a thousand times since the coronavirus broke out: Wash your hands. Dont touch your face. Stay home if you can. While these preventative measures are great ways to stop the spread of COVID-19, can the food we put in our bodies also prevent us from getting sick?

While there is no research stating certain foods and supplements lower your risk of catching the coronavirus, there are items you can eat or take to keep your immune system strong.

Dr. Howard Wright, who operates his own private practice, Dearborn Family Clinic, said there are nine things people can do to maintain a healthy body during the pandemic:

Get at least eight hours of sleep every night.

Get a daily dose of vitamins: Vitamin D is crucial to having a strong immune system, Wright said. In the protocols, when patients have COVID-19, many patients in the hospital get high doses of vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A and zinc. Those are really key.One way to get your daily intake is through vitamin tablets, but one can also eat foods rich in these nutrients, such as salmon for vitamin D, kale for vitamin C, sweet potatoes for vitamin A and beef for zinc.

Garlic: The ingredient contains a compound called allicin that can fight off infections, states the website, Healthline. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, garlic can also help lower blood pressure and slow down the hardening of arteries.

Citrus: According to Healthline, fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes are great ways of getting your vitamin C intake, as they can increase the production of white blood cells.

Broccoli: The vegetable is loaded with vitamins A, C and E, as well as fiber. According to Healthline, the best way to eat broccoli is raw, or as little cooked as possible.

Ginger: The spice is an anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce nausea and a sore throat when sick.

Spinach: The vegetable is high in vitamin C , and is filled with antioxidants and beta carotene, which increases the chance of fighting off an infection. Like broccoli, the best way to eat spinach is when its slightly cooked.

Yogurt: The healthy snack is a good source of vitamin D. However, with several types of yogurt out there, make sure to look for one that is filled with nutrients, like Greek yogurt. According to Healthline, plain yogurt is better than ones that have fruit added to them, since they are often filled with sugar. Those looking for a sweeter taste can add their own fruit to the yogurt.

Sauerkraut: Surprisingly, the condiment has many health benefits, including improving the immune system. The fermentation of the cabbage contains probiotics, which can fight off bad bacteria and toxins.

Wright said he has treated about 45 patients for COVID-19 so far, with all of them recovering.

I attribute that to early diagnosis, early treatment and the patients really working on their nutrition, he said. We use what we call an integrated approach where we use the foundation of nutrition, medications, anything we can to fight this horrible illness.

In addition to fruits, vegetables and spices, vitamins and natural supplements can also be a way to strengthen the immune system. Cathy Keoshian, the supplement manager for the Better Health stores, recommends five items to take for a healthier body:

Vitamin C: Like Dr. Wright, Keoshian said vitamin C boosts the immune system, and one should take between 1,000-2,000 mg daily. Research shows it will help reduce and shorten duration of respiratory infections, she said. Its also a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Zinc: It improves immunity and needs to be taken daily to improve health, Keoshian said. Its an anti-inflammatory, and its well known as a natural cold remedy. It cuts down mucus and bacteria, so it gives an antiviral effect. The recommended dosage for zinc is 50 mg a day, but no more than 100 mg.

Elderberry syrup: It has very powerful immune-boosting properties, Keoshian said. Its shown to reduce the duration of symptoms in colds, the flu and sinus infections.

Oregano oil: Keoshian calls the oil a wonderful germ killer, as it can help fight infections. It is antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal, so it acts like a natural antibiotic, she said. Its used to treat respiratory symptoms, colds, bronchitis, sinus infections, allergies and parasites.

The Wellness Formula-The supplement is from brand, Source Naturals, and contains 22 herbs. It helps prevent the cold and flu, it helps reduce symptoms of all infections, like sinus, sore throat, fever, Keoshian said. It increases energy levels, its full of antioxidants and has vitamins A, C, D and the minerals zinc and selenium. It pretty much has every germ-killing, immune-boosting thing you can think of. Four to six capsules a day is recommended, or 6 capsules every three hours when sick.

Read the original post:
Ways to boost your immune system during a pandemic - Dearborn Press and Guide

This entry was posted on May 9, 2020 at 5:44 pm and is filed under Immune System. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |