The spread of the 2019 n-CoV has gotten people scrambling for face masks and sanitizers to protect themselves from the virus. But the best protective measure to adopt is to remain calm and fight the spread of the virus with cleanliness and strengthening your immune system. Aside from proper and frequent handwashing, you may also adopt these immune boosting tips to safeguard the health of your family.
- Eat plenty of fruits and veggies loaded with immune boosters. They will give your body essential vitamins and minerals to help fight the virus. Green leafy vegetables, fruits and berries are great sources of vitamins A,C,D and E which helps defend the body against germs, bacteria, and viruses. Garlic, shiitake mushrooms, turmeric, ginger, ginseng and mustard are also popular immune boosters that you can add to your diet. However, there are also food and drink items that can compromise your immune system and must be avoided as much as possible. These include sugary food items, processed food and alcohol.
- Drink lots of water and choose healthy fluids. One of the best ways to fight colds and illness is to keep yourself hydrated. Thus, making a habit of drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day can help a lot. Also try to avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. If you can’t stay away from your coffee or alcohol then at least match every caffeinated or alcoholic drink you consume with a glass of water afterwards. You may also include probiotic drinks in your beverage selection of immune boosters to fight the 2019 n-CoV.
- Sleep well at night. Ample rest helps keep your immune system strong. As such, having at 8 hours of good sleep should be your goal when you hit the sack at night.
- Reduce the negative effects of stress in your body. Since stress seems to be part and parcel of our daily grind, the next best thing to do is to counter its negative effects. Find your daily stress relief in relaxing activities like meditation or yoga.
- Keep yourself fit by exercising regularly. Having a regular physical activity doesn’t just keep your body fit and healthy. It also has immune boosting benefits to help you fight disease causing germs, bacteria, and viruses like the 2019 n-CoV.
These immune boosting tips can help protect your body against viruses like 2019 n-CoV but there is more to be done if you want to prevent it from spreading. DOH has repeatedly announced the importance of frequent and proper hand washing. This means scrubbing your hands with soap for at least 30 seconds. You can do this before and after eating or in case of contact with possible contaminants like door knobs etc. Also remember to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze to help stop the spread of viruses. As for your meals, make sure that your meat dishes are handled and cooked properly to make sure that they are free from disease causing germs, bacteria, and viruses.
