Keeping the Immune System Pumped Up During COVID-19

Sleep for a Healthy Immune SystemMaking sure your immune system is pumped up is important during this time of the novel coronavirus.

Three important strategies for a strong immune system include:

  1. Nourish Well: Eat 3 balanced meals each day- get plenty of fruits and veggies & plant foods.
  2. Sleep well: Make sure to go to bed early to be able to get 7-9 hours of sleep.
  3. Manage stress: Meditation, yoga, listening to music and writing all help with stress as does exercise.

Nourish Well

There are immune-supporting nutrients that can help keep your body strong.

These foods are available and include foods from a well-balanced plants food-based diet of fruits and veggies, grains, nuts and seeds, and legumes as well as animal-based foods of eggs, fish, and meat. Aim for 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables a day- why? This will provide important immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

BETA CAROTENE

Orange fruits and veggies and dark green veggies contain Beta Carotene an important precursor to Vitamin A.

VITAMIN C

Citrus fruits, berries, melons, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli

VITAMIN D

Fish, eggs milk with Vitamin D

ZINC

Meat, fish, wheat germ, beans, nuts & tofu

PROBIOTICS

Probiotics are bacteria found in cultured foods such as yogurts and kefir and in fermented foods such as kimchee and sauerkraut.

We are all under stress with the uncertainty of where this virus is heading and making sure our immune system is optimized is key!