| “Your food is information sending signals that turn your immune
function on and off.” – Dr. Nalini Chilkov |
NUTRITION
Even if you consider yourself in good health, you’re probably still feeling some level of anxiety about your ability to fight off COVID-19, and if you already have an existing health issue like high blood pressure, diabetes, or an auto-immune condition you may be feeling even more vulnerable. You can take back some control by giving your body the support it needs to get in the best health possible and with the strongest immune system you can build.
Did you know that 70 to 80 percent of your immune tissue is situated in your digestive tract?
While you’re stocking up your kitchen for a possible isolation period, focus on foods rich in the following vitamins and minerals that are important to the immune system: C, D, A, B, Zinc. The best way to do this is a diet that includes 6 to 8 servings of fresh veggies and fruits daily, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, fish and eggs, and stays light on red meats, processed foods and especially sugars.
Vitamin D plays a big part in immune health, so take the opportunity of spring weather coming and get outside, even if it’s only into your backyard.
What you drink is part of your nutrition – your body needs plenty of clean water to fight off invaders.
SLEEP
Good sleep plays a huge part in your immune status as well as lowering inflammation. Most people need between 7 and 9 hours of good sleep per night. You may find that you have what a friend of mine calls “monkey brain” right now – overwhelm with the situation – so take some time before bed to turn off all the devices, go news free, and wind down your nervous system.
AVOID INFECTION
We have all had plenty of input on avoiding contact with the virus and should be following those protocols. The reason why soap and water washing works the best is that corona viruses are encased in a fatty envelope and soap can break that fat apart and make the virus less able to infect you. If you thought you already knew how to wash your hands, you didn’t! Check out WHO handwashing steps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IisgnbMfKvI
Guest Post: Susan Tessman is a Certified Nutrition Coach, and Certified Women’s Health and Nutrition Coach.