TO FIGHT CORONA(COVID-19) VIRUS YOU HAVE TO STRONG YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.
If
you’re looking for ways to prevent colds, the flu, and other infections, your
first step should be a visit to your local grocery store. Plan your meals to
include these powerful immune system boosters.
A healthful, balanced diet plays a vital role in staying well. The following foods may help to boost the immune system.
Citrus fruits
Most people turn straight to vitamin
“C” after they’ve caught a cold. That’s because it helps build up your
immune system.
Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of
white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections.Almost all Citrus fruits are high in
vitamin C. With such a variety to choose from, it’s easy to add a squeeze of
this vitamin to any meal. Because
your body doesn’t produce or store it, you need daily vitamin “C” for
continued health.Also keep in mind that while vitamin C might help you recover
from a cold quicker, there’s no evidence yet that it’s effective
against the new corona virus, SARS-CoV-2.
Red bell peppers
As
citrus fruits have the most vitamin "C" of any fruit or vegetable, similarly red bell peppers contain almost 3 times as much vitamin "C" , They’re also a
rich source of beta carotene. Besides boosting your immune system, vitamin
C may help you maintain healthy skin. Beta carotene, By which your body
converts into vitamin “A”, which helps keep your eyes and skin healthy.
Broccoli
Broccoli is
supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as
well as fiber and many other antioxidants, broccoli is one of the
healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate. The key to keeping its power
intact is to cook it as little as possible — or better yet, not at all. Research
Trusted Source has shown that steaming is the best way to keep more
nutrients in the food.
Garlic
Garlic
is found in almost every cuisine in the world. It adds a little zing to food
and it’s a must-have for your health to fight against infections. Garlic
may also slow down hardening of the arteries. Garlic’s immune-boosting properties seem
to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds.
Ginger
Ginger is another ingredient many turn to after
getting sick. Ginger may help decrease inflammation, which can help reduce
a sore throat and inflammatory illnesses. Ginger may help with nausea as
well. While it’s used in many sweet desserts, ginger packs some heat in the
form of gingerol, a relative of capsaicin. Ginger may also decrease chronic pain
trusted source and might even possess cholesterol – lowering properties.
Spinach
Spinach
Spinach made our list not just because it’s rich in vitamin C —
it’s also packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which may both
increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems. Similar to
broccoli, spinach is healthiest when it’s cooked as little as possible so that
it retains its nutrients. However, light cooking makes it easier to absorb the
vitamin A and allows other nutrients to be released from oxalic acid.
Yogurt
Yogurt
can also be a great source of vitamin D,Vitamin D helps regulate the
immune system and is thought to boost our body’s natural defences against
diseases. Clinical trials are even in the works to study its possible
effects on COVID-19 .
Almonds
When it comes to preventing and fighting off colds, vitamin E tends
to take a backseat to vitamin C. However, this powerful antioxidant is key to a
healthy immune system. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it requires the
presence of fat to be absorbed properly. Nuts, such as almonds, are packed
with the vitamin and also have healthy fats.
Turmeric
Turmeric as a key ingredient in many curries. This bright yellow,
bitter spice has also been used for years as an anti-inflammatory in treating
both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It has concentrations of
curcumin, which gives turmeric its distinctive color, can help decrease
exercise-induced muscle damage. Curcumin has promise as an immune booster.
Papaya
Papaya is another fruit loaded with vitamin C. You can find the
daily recommended amount of vitamin C in a single medium fruit. Papayas also
have a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects.
Papayas have decent amounts of potassium, magnesium, and folate, all
of which are beneficial to your overall health.
Kiwi
Like
papayas, kiwis are naturally full of a ton of essential nutrients,
including folate, potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin C.Vitamin C boosts the
white blood cells to fight infection, while kiwi’s other nutrients keep the
rest of your body functioning properly.
Blueberries
Blueberries
Blueberries have antioxidant properties that may
boost the immune system.Blueberries contain a type of flavonoid called
anthocyanin, which has antioxidant properties that can help boost a
person’s immune system.
Washing hands properly may help make the immune system stronger
The following lifestyle strategies may make a person’s immune
system stronger:
- avoiding smoking
- exercising regularly
- maintaining a healthy weight
- avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation
- getting enough sleep
- minimizing stress
- practicing correct hand-washing and oral hygiene
Coronavirus (COVID19) General Advice:
Protecting yourself and others from the spread
COVID-19:
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by
taking some simple precautions:
- Regularly and thoroughly
clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and
water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based
hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
- Maintain at least 1 metre (3
feet) distance between yourself and others. Why? When someone coughs,
sneezes, or speaks they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or
mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in
the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person has the disease.
- Avoid going to crowded
places. Why? Where people come together in crowds, you are more likely to
come into close contact with someone that has COIVD-19 and it is more
difficult to maintain physical distance of 1 metre (3 feet).
- Avoid touching eyes, nose
and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once
contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth.
From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you.
- Make sure you, and the
people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering
your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or
sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you
protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
- Stay home and self-isolate
even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you
recover. Have someone bring you supplies. If you need to leave your house,
wear a mask to avoid infecting others. Why? Avoiding contact with others
will protect them from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
- If you have a fever, cough
and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention, but call by telephone in
advance if possible and follow the directions of your local health
authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to
date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will
allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health
facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses
and other infections.
- Keep up to date on the
latest information from trusted sources, such as WHO or your local and
national health authorities. Why? Local and national authorities are best
placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect
themselves.
Advice on the safe
use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers:
To protect yourself and others against COVID-19, clean your hands
frequently and thoroughly. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash your
hands with soap and water. If you use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer, make sure you use and store it carefully.
- Keep alcohol-based
hand sanitizers out of children’s reach. Teach them how to apply the
sanitizer and monitor its use.
- Apply a coin-sized
amount on your hands. There is no need to use a large amount of the
product.
- Avoid touching your eyes,
mouth and nose immediately after using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer,
as it can cause irritation.
- Hand
sanitizers recommended to protect against COVID-19 are alcohol-based
and therefore can be flammable. Do not use before handling fire
or cooking.
- Under no circumstance,
drink or let children swallow an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It can be
poisonous.
- Remember that washing your
hands with soap and water is also effective against COVID-19.
- Keep alcohol-based
hand sanitizers out of children’s reach. Teach them how to apply the
sanitizer and monitor its use.
- Apply a coin-sized
amount on your hands. There is no need to use a large amount of the
product.
- Avoid touching your eyes,
mouth and nose immediately after using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer,
as it can cause irritation.
- Hand
sanitizers recommended to protect against COVID-19 are alcohol-based
and therefore can be flammable. Do not use before handling fire
or cooking.
- Under no circumstance,
drink or let children swallow an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It can be
poisonous.
- Remember that washing your
hands with soap and water is also effective against COVID-19.
