Being healthy is critical to prevent having any illnesses, especially during a pandemic. So, here are sure-fire ways to boost your immune system.
You’ve probably heard of the adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” It isn’t just a famous string of words, but in fact, there’s a science behind it. Apples are known to have a substantial amount of health benefits. They are low in calories and sodium, and high in fiber and, most importantly, Vitamin C. This means it manages to keep your immune system in tip-top condition.
True enough, you probably won’t even notice it protecting you 24/7, unless your body’s built-in defense system is low. But let’s not wait for that to happen; let’s make it a point to boost our immune system as soon as possible. After all, prevention is key.
In our interview with Dr. Cesar Recto II, a cardiologist in The Medical City and Philippine Heart Center, we found out the best possible ways to boost one’s immune system. According to him, staying healthy and avoiding exposure to other people through social distancing, as also suggested by the Department of Health, should be practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, exercising five days a week (at least 30 minutes to an hour), eating a balanced diet instead of fad diets, and having morning sunlight exposure daily is important.
Although this may be, Recto also urged people who are 60 years old and above as well as those who have chronic lung and heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes must be extra cautious because they are at high risk of being infected. “The high-risk people are not just at risk from getting infection but are also at risk of getting complications, more severe diseases, and [possible] death,” he explains.
Now, apart from eating a well-balanced diet and exercising daily, taking vitamins is also crucial. “Vitamins are usually for children and the elderly, but in this time of the pandemic, taking vitamins may help,” Recto says. Here are three vitamins that you should drink to always be in good shape wherever you may be.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen your body’s natural defenses. “So, daily intake is essential, because your body doesn’t produce or store it,” Recto says. “Take Vitamin C about 1000 mg and zinc.” But the best thing about this specific vitamin is you can find it from so many foods, such as apples, oranges, kale, and broccoli, to name a few.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is one of the necessary vitamins to support biochemical reactions in the immune system. And you may either have a dietary supplement for this or get it from what you eat. That’s because, just like Vitamin C, it’s also found in a wide variety of foods. The richest sources would be fish, beef liver and other organ meats, potatoes, and green vegetables.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as one of the powerful anti-oxidants that helps protect cells from the damage caused by infection. Apart from that, it aids with your blood vessel health and even keeping the skin youthful. Foods that are rich in Vitamin E include nuts, seeds, and spinach.
