During this uncertain time, there is so much we can’t control — the virus, politics, the stock market….but we can control how we take care of ourselves. And when we take good care of ourselves, our immune systems are stronger and we manage stress better.
Doing all the personal care measures to stay healthy like washing your hands and staying home when sick are critical. But keeping your body strong through good habits is critical too. You CAN control how you take care of yourself:
- Drink your daily dose of water (1/2 or more of your body weight in ounces)
- Get regular exercise
- Get enough sleep – like 7-8 hours a night.
- Reduce your stress (easier said than done).
- Reduce your processed foods and sugar intake. These foods actually lower your immune system.
- Eat a diet full of vegetables and fruits. Try some of these immune boosting foods:
- Green Tea. Two compounds found in green tea boost your immune system — epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant, and the amino acid, L-theanine, a compound that may aid in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T-cells.
- Oranges, kale and red bell peppers. All are high in vitamin C, a vitamin our body doesn’t store, so we need to replenish it regularly. Did you know that red bell peppers have twice as much vitamin C of an orange?
- Broccoli. Loaded with vitamins A, B, E and antioxidants, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables we can eat.
- Blueberries, blackberries, and grapes. All three are full of anthocyanins, another type of antioxidant. Plus, they simply taste good!
- Garlic. Garlic has long been used to help fight infections so don’t be afraid to use it liberally in your cooking.