Coronavirus who?
It seems to be official. The world has officially gone bonkers over the Coronavirus.
What was first reported as a “common-like cold”, now appears to have escalated into a world crisis.
The stock markets had their steepest falls since the 2008 recession, people are panic buying and stocking up on medicines and canned food. And let’s not forget the amusing supermarket fights videos over toilet paper. Lord, have mercy.
If you have Facebook, your wall probably looks rather similar to mine, nowadays.
Every other post is about the coronavirus, what the Government isn’t doing and should be doing, what people in general are doing… It’s madness and it’s everywhere.
Everyone is pointing fingers, however, there is one thing that NO ONE is talking about.
What YOU can do to protect yourself and your family.
How you can boost your immune system so that in a worst case scenario situation, you have an advantage.
So let’s discuss nutrition.
I’m sure we’ve all heard the expression “we are what we eat” and that couldn’t be more true.
So, today I want to give you a few simple tips on how you can protect yourself and your family, by boosting your immune system.
But first, let’s see exactly what we know so far about the Coronavirus and its symptoms.
The NHS describes the virus as a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. Symptoms can include cough, high temperature and/or shortness of breath.
If you have these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you HAVE the virus, it can be just a cold or flu.
If you want to check if you need medical help, call 111 and they will be able to advise you on what to do.
Now that we have this part sorted, let’s see three simple ways how you can help yourself and your family.
1. Stop stockpiling your cupboards with baked beans, chips and spaghetti hoops pots.
The reason for this is simple. Although I can understand that some people don’t have the financial means to buy fresh all the time, these items are useful to have if you find yourself in a situation where you have to self-isolate for 2 weeks.
However, bare in mind that the nutritional value of this is close to nada. So it might keep you full, but it won’t provide the nutrients you require to maintain a healthy and strong immune system.
Additionally, be socially responsible. If you are buying in bulk for no necessary reason, this means that people in your community who may not have the means to buy in bulk, will go without. Be considerate of others.
2. Buy FRESH produce.
This includes your fruit, veggies and everything you can find on the outskirts of the supermarket, which is where you should always aim to stay. This is something I discuss in my free groups, so if you want to know more, hop in!
Fresh produce, is thee most important point of this post and I will be listing some fruits and veggies that you can incorporate with your meals.
We all know that we should all have a diet which includes a lot of fruit and veg. However, some of these are specifically known to boost your defences and give your immune system a bit of a helping hand.
Let’s take blueberries as an example.
Blueberries contain a type of flavonoid called anthocyanin, which has antioxidant properties that can help boost a person’s immune system. A 2016 study noted that flavonoids play an essential role in the respiratory tract’s immune defence system. Considering the Coronavirus may impact your airways, it’s a probably a good idea to have some of these at home.
Do you remember being ill as a kid and being told “you need vitamin C”? If the answer is yes, 20 years down the line, you probably say it to your kids too. But do you know why?
Vitamin C helps build up your immune system because it increases the production of white blood cells. These are key to fighting infections.
Other foods that are known to boost your immune system and alleviate flu symptoms include:
Oranges, tangerines, kiwis, strawberries, watermelon, pomegranate, garlic, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanut butter, tomato, sweet potato, broccoli, spinach, kale, mushrooms, ginger, red peppers.
Oily fish such as mackerel, tuna, salmon or sardines are rich in omega-3, which is a type of essential fatty acid known to suppress inflammation and keep the immune system in check.
If fish isn’t your thing, don’t forget the good old chicken soup. Chicken is rich in vitamin B6 which plays a pivotal part in many of the chemical reactions that happen in our bodies.
3. Wash your hands.
This one can’t be said enough. We use our hands for everything. Making payments, exchange money with the cashier, open the car door, grab the trolley at the supermarket… It’s an easy way to get and spread bacteria quickly.
By washing your hands frequently, you are reducing the probability of being infected and passing on your germs to others.
Disclaimer: Obviously, variety is the key for proper nutrition and constantly eating blueberries won’t be enough to fight a flu, BUT it’s a start.
If you are struggling with your nutrition and want to make choices that are sustainable and realistic, get in contact with me today for a free consultation or join my free group on Facebook.