In just a matter of days, the whole world has changed dramatically. People are avoiding social gatherings, the government has started shutting down schools and public places while employees have started working from home and sporting events have been cancelled. Everyone should now be taking the necessary measures to maintain safety amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

Though we cannot prevent ourselves from contracting the virus itself, there are some things we can do to try and stay healthy as well as boost our immunity system.

Immunity System: Why it is essential to support the immunity system?

Our immune system essentially acts as a shield against various illnesses and viruses. As per the latest report, elderly people are more vulnerable to severe illness because of the Coronavirus due to their generally weaker immune systems.

Along with this, a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet can play a key role in reducing your immune systems ability to protect you effectively.

Therefore, in order to avoid getting sick, it is essential to help our immune system by making a few key modifications to our lifestyle.

Here we have some easy and effective tips that you can implement to strengthen your immunity during the Coronavirus outbreak.

1. Eat a wholesome diet

One of the best supported ways to stay healthy is by eating clean and healthy food.

Unhealthy eating is more likely to negatively affect your immune system by reducing the body’s ability to ward off diseases. On the other hand, a well-balanced diet helps to provide the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs to fight infections.

Listed below are some immunity-boosting food items that should be made a part of your regular diet.

• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Citrus fruits enriched with vitamin C content such as mandarins, berries, kiwis, grapefruits etc.
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Yogurt
• Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
• Yogurt (without any added flavour)
• Sweet Potato

2. Get Enough Sleep

Irrelevant to the Coronavirus pandemic, getting enough sleep is a crucial part of leading a healthy life and combating diseases.

So, what happens when you sleep?

Basically our body undergoes natural repair and it allows our entire system to recover, encouraging the proper functioning of our internal systems, including boosting the immune system. For that reason, you need to get enough sleep to prepare your body to fight back effectively.

3. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Hydration is crucial to keep your immune system functioning well. Dehydration can reduce the body’s ability to naturally flush out toxins and other bacteria that can cause illnesses.

Therefore, drink enough water and consume juices that have higher vitamin C content to stave off infection, support an Immune system and replenish a healthy gut.

Cut down on caffeinated and sugary drinks as they may not help you stay hydrated. Below is a list of healthy drinks that you can have to keep a balance of glucose and electrolytes.

• Warm lime, ginger, and honey water
• Lemon water
• Chemical-free juices – Fruit/Vegetable juices high in vitamin C like Mandarin, Berries, Grapefruit, Kiwi, Amla, etc.
• Buttermilk
• Coconut water

4. Move Your Body

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, people can easily get stressed and worried.

Stress not only makes us vulnerable to infections and diseases but can also take a toll on our mood and reduce our day-to-day productivity as well.

And, as the gyms have been shut down all over Delhi/NCR until March 31st, as well as in other cities as well, the fitness enthusiasts and gym-goers might even feel more stressed. But, that should not stop you from working out.

Working out at home is an easy solution. Yoga, meditation, burpees, jumping jacks, pushups, dancing, household work or even a walk for 30 minutes can do wonders for your body’s defence against infections. So, what are you waiting for? Promise yourself to workout everyday and help your body during these times.

5. Get Enough Vitamin D

Though vitamin D cannot protect you from viruses, it definitely helps to fight diseases and speed up recovery times.

Sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D and is also a natural disinfectant. If you are self isolating, this doesn’t mean you have to leave the house, you can easily get natural light at home as well. Many of you might not know that sunlight is the natural source of detoxification and kills bacteria and viruses.

6. Limit Consumption of Alcohol

The pressure of getting stuck at home for days might make you irritable and make you want a drink.

Frequent consumption of alcohol increases the chances of you getting sick by reducing your defence mechanism against harmful infections. We all know: prevention is better than cure. So, cut down on alcohol consumption and look to keep any illness away.

7. Wash Your Hands

It is something which is on everyone’s lips at the minute. Washing hands properly can help reduce the spread of germs and infections from one person to another.

In light of the Coronavirus, the WHO has urged people to follow effective clean hand protection against infections to save your life as well as other people you may come into contact with.

It is a widely known fact that maintaining hand hygiene is one of the important preventative measures against various viruses. Also, avoid touching your face, eyes, or mouth as it is a major way we pick up infections like the Coronavirus.

8. Maintain Social Distance

To limit the spread of the virus, practicing social distancing is a really important thing to start doing.

So how do you perform social distancing?

It’s no biggie! Avoid unnecessary social gatherings and being in public places, maintain a 1 meter distance with someone who has symptoms of a cough, cold, or fever, attend meetings through video calls, and try to stay at home as much as possible limiting your contact with other people.

Let’s not wait for any enforced lockdowns likewise in Italy to combat the Coronavirus. Instead, take the initiative and apply social distancing in your daily life.

9. Be Honest and Responsible

As per the latest report in Nagpur, 5 suspected patients undergoing coronavirus testing escaped from the hospital.

Do you really think that’s the right way to deal with such a sensitive issue?

Think about the innocent lives who may now have to suffer because of such irresponsible behavior. We are all in this together and being a responsible citizen is our duty in order to save the lives of everyone around during this pandemic.

Final Thoughts:

There is no magic pill available to boost immunity overnight. So, you need to follow these common health suggestions regularly to safeguard yourself from infectious diseases.

Reach out to medical professionals if you have a severe cough, fever, and breathing difficulties.

But don’t panic, follow some basic protective measures, and always follow the information you are given by doctors and other medical staff!