COVID-19 is spreading at record levels across the world. Your immune system is your best shield to this virus, This is why a lot of us are looking for ways to keep our immune systems strong, in hopes to beat off flu, colds, and cough, including alarming variants of the virus that are the origins of COVID-19, whether Delta or Omicron.
However, there are so many supplements and products that promise to boost immunity. And improving your immune system is more difficult to accomplish than you may think— and for great reason.
Our immune systems are immensely complex. Your immune system needs to be strong enough and suave enough to combat different infections and illnesses. But it’s important that it’s not too strong that it goes too far—resulting in autoimmune disorders developing.
With that being said, we’re here to give the proper ways to build and maintain a healthy and improved immune system, especially during this pandemic.
Get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on recommended boosters
According to Harvard Medical School, getting the COVID vaccine as well as the booster shot is best when you want to enhance your immune response. It’s like a cheat sheet for your immune system. They also added that a vaccine presents the immune system to the attacker ahead of time and allows it to create a battle plan.
When the virus appears at the door, your immune system will react immediately, which can mean no symptoms, or at least prevent severe illness. Getting a booster shot will act as a refresher course to maintain those lessons new.
It’s always crucial that you’re up-to-date on suggested vaccinations, particularly your COVID-19 vaccine or booster, together with your yearly flu shot.
Always have reservations
It’s alright to be scepticism nowadays. There are plenty of vitamin formulations and probiotics that claim to improve or support your immune system. Although there is a bit of truth to a few of these claims, the big picture doesn’t always work.
For instance, vitamins can help boost immune function, however, this only works in people who have a deficiency in vitamins— not in a standard, healthy adult.
Aside from that, probiotics are also true to their promise. This little organism living in your stomach known as the microbiome does play a special role in immunity. However, according to Harvard, experts don’t have enough information about this role to make a product that can control the microbiome to improve immunity.
This might change over the next ten years, but for now, Harvard Medical School suggests viewing probiotic claims with a healthy dose of scepticism.
Develop good health habits to empower your immune system
You may ask if exercise, sleep, healthy diets have a role in helping your immune system, Yes! Having a master plan that can enhance your overall health is never wasted. When you’re healthy, you are more resistant to illness, and usually fare better if you got infected. Great health habits can support your immune system to operate at its peak.
Here are some habits you might want to practice:
- Follow a healthy diet. This is a key to maintaining a strong immune system. Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein. Focus on foods that have sufficient amounts of the micronutrients that can help your immune systems such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C. The most ideal way to help your immune system is to opt for a well-balanced diet.
- Daily exercise. Many people still think that physical activities are for building muscles, but it’s also for de-stressing yourself. Exercising can improve immune function. Exercising can boost your overall circulation which further improves immune function as immune cells and several infection-fighting molecules can travel easier throughout your body. So, get your exercise or gym equipment and start moving!
- Get enough sleep. Sleep is very important even if it doesn’t seem like it’s an active process. However, there are so many amazing things occurring in your body when you’re not awake. For example, essential infection-fighting molecules are produced while you sleep.
- Drink plenty of water. Water is super important for every human being. It’s also good for our immune system. Since our body has lymph which is a fluid in our circulatory system which holds important infection-fighting immune cells, we need to be hydrated to speed up the movement of lymph.
Wear your mask
Of course, all of our tips above would be more effective if you avoid getting exposed to the virus. Although masks are not a favourite of the majority, they can lessen the risk of spreading COVID to people who are unvaccinated, such as young people who are not yet eligible to get the shot. Wearing masks will also protect people with immune system deficiencies who don’t receive enough protection from the vaccine.
Just remember that you are not also taking care of yourself, but also the people around you. Masks won’t be effective if everyone around you is not wearing one.
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