Easy Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Everyone is either freaking out about COVID-19 or not taking it serious enough. Either way, a major key to surviving the virus (and the hysteria) is a strong immune system.
Continue reading for a list of easy ways to ensure your immune system is healthy and ready for anything!
Lot’s of Vitamin C
Photograph by @gabbois.
Hopefully everyone knows this by now, but Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells. And white blood cells are key to fighting infections.
You can take a vitamin to get your recommended daily dosage, or you can increase the amount of citrus in your diet:
Try having an orange or a grapefruit for breakfast.
Use more lemons! I personally use them with just about everything - my tea, extra flavor for many of my favorite dishes, you name it!
Drink more fresh squeezed orange juice (or grapefruit juice if you’re about that life).
Red bell peppers also have a lot of vitamin C. This vegetable is super versatile and can be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It can even be eaten by itself - raw or cooked!
Reduce Stress
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Stress literally suppresses the immune response of the body. Various studies have proven that even the slightest bit of stress can weaken the immune system. Eliminating stressful people or things from your life is quite possibly the easiest way to boost the immune system.
Although this is easier said than done - especially in today’s social climate - there are very small measures you can take that are sure to reduce stress.
Meditate. Even if its just for five minutes.
Breathe. Simply take three deep inhales (with long exhales), and I promise the world will feel anew.
Make time for yourself! This is crucial if you’re in a relationship and / or have children, or if you’re constantly around other people (which you shouldn’t be for the next few weeks anyway).
Ginger
Photograph by Joris Neyt.
I’m not the biggest fan of ginger, but I make sure to include it in my diet. Why? Because it decreases inflammation, and it supports cardiovascular health.
One of the easiest ways to incorporate this superfood into your diet, is by boiling it with water, lemon and lime, then drink the concoction. I love to add honey!
Stop / Cut Back on Smoking
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When your respiratory health is the concern - no matter what it is - smoking isn’t a great idea. We all know cigarettes are trash, but smoking anything weakens your lungs and thus it’s ability to clean and repair itself (especially against disease).
To give your lungs a break, try edibles, tinctures, or even topical treatments.
Daylight
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Go outside and soak up some sun! I’m supposed to say something about Vitamin D and antibodies, but mainly it’s good for the soul.