“We have different mountains and rivers, but we share the same Sun, Moon and sky”.
This line is written on each box of the medical masks sent to Italy by Japan. Purely out of the kindness of its heart!
No matter, who we are, where we live, what thoughts we have and what lifestyle we are living. COVID-19 has connected the entire world in terms of humanity.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
T he outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic is really a worrying situation for the whole world, especially when there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment formulated so far that can cure this virus completely. With the rapid spread of COVID-19, search for the vaccine has now become a global competition and scientists are working hard to come up with a positive outcome.
This virus
Now, in this situation, we have to work together to stop this outbreak and save this world. Why depend on our government for providing us the required healthcare? Isn’t our responsibility to keep ourselves protective with some highly beneficial conducts and contribute to fighting this global concern?
It is a fact that we can’t completely eliminate the risk of getting infected with COVID-19. But, we can improve our immune system to make our bodies capable of fighting this virus. Eating as healthy as possible has become more important when this virus has gripped the entire world and makes the situation more critical day by day.
As per the research it has been found that our immune system plays a great role in fighting with any kind of virus. It means if we get infected with COVID-19, our improved nutritional level will work great in supporting optimal immune function and hence, bring less harm and quick recovery to the disease.
Note: It is always recommended to have healthy foods and ingredients that bring a great impact on our immune system.
So, why risk yourself when you have a natural defensive solution for an underlying illness?
How some foods can help to improve your immune system?
Before starting the discussion of these foods, it would be highly beneficial to know that along with consuming recommended foods to prevent and to treat coronavirus, you must maintain good hygiene practices as well.
At this stage, where COVID-19 has been spread severely all around the world, you must be aware of the risk from ‘Open Food’, i.e. unpackaged food items.
Always remember that food is never directly involved in the spread of this virus. But, one thing that concerns the most is the infected food workers or consumers, where the possibilities of introducing the virus to food increase to a great extent, when these infected people cough, sneeze or even touch the foods with their hands.
WHO (World Health Organization) has also advised food workers to follow proper hand hygiene as well as safe food practices.
Now, here are some of the foods that we should eat to boost our immune system.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that contains some immune cells and works effectively in destroying infection-causing pathogens.
Though sun exposure is also helpful in producing Vitamin D, you must include food items rich in Vitamin D in your diet, such as cheese, cereals, and certain milk products.
Some people with Vitamin D deficiency opt for supplements, but it does not really help. So, to fight off viruses, you must provide Vitamin D to your immune system. If you are exposed to the virus, it can help in reducing the severity of the infection and you will recover fast.
Vitamin C and E
Both Vitamin C and E help your body to fight infection by protecting cells from oxidative stress. In addition to this, Vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid, also helps in cleaning up the oxidative stress with the production of specialized cells supporting an effective immune outcome.
So, everyone is advised to include these food sources high in Vitamin C in their daily diet – oranges, lemons, berries, tomatoes, broccoli, papaya and more.
Vitamin E is also essential in boosting the immune system, so try to add nuts, green leafy vegetables as well as vegetable oils and bring healthy eating habits to your family.
Note: Instead of consuming juices, it would be good to focus on whole foods, because juicing results in huge nutrient loss.
Zinc
At this crucial time, many experts have come up with their recommendations and views to deal with coronavirus outbreak in a natural way.
Here, we are talking about foods to improve your immune system; Zinc is another necessary nutrient which we must consider to have a healthy and powerful immune response.
Zinc deficiency can make you more likely to get susceptible to illness. Even some evidence has proved that zinc is quite helpful in preventing colds and viruses, which is pretty helpful for us.
It is good to have nuts, whole grains, beans, lentils, chickpeas, and others.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the magical ingredients used by many people to ease their sore throat and other cold symptoms. Actually, it is an antioxidant that is packed with various minerals – iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium.
Ginger can help in boosting the respiratory system and also helps with digestion and constipation. It is also considered as the universal medicine that stimulates defensive reactions to fight off bacterial and viral infections.
You can consume ginger tea or can add this ingredient as per the required quantity while preparing the meals, such as in soups, cuisines, etc.
Garlic
Garlic is another high source of an immune-boosting compound which is not only used in cooking but is highly effective for medicinal purposes also.
This antiviral and anti-fungal agent can be eaten either raw or used in cooking the normal food, such as in cuisines, soups, and even salad dressings.
As per one study, it has been found that more than 60% of the people who ate garlic had experienced a great improvement in their immune system, as a result of which they recovered faster and are less prone to recurring cold and other infections.
Quick Glance of Foods For Boosting Immunity System for Corona Virus (Covid-19)
Fruits
- Oranges
- Pineapples
- Fresh Berries
- Papaya
- Kiwi
- Guava
- Tomatoes (Yes it’s a fruit)
Vegetables
- Carrots
- Beets
- Spinach
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Egg Plant
- Capsicum
Apart from this, Nuts like Almonds and Walnuts are also good immunity boosters. In addition to these immunity boosting food items, it’s highly recommended to drink at least 2.5 to 3 litres of liquid in a day.
Measures to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Worldwide experts are advising on strengthening your immune system. So, this point should be taken seriously to save yourself and your family from this high evolving COVID-19 outbreak.
Beyond these immune-boosting foods, there are several other measures you must consider to stay as safe and healthy as possible to fight the coronavirus.
As per the latest information available on the WHO website, it is found that most people who are infected with this virus are experiencing mild illness and are in the recovering stage. But, as this virus can be severe for others, we must take care of our health and protect others with these protective measures.
- Maintain at least 1-meter distance from a person who is coughing or sneezing – Because these small liquid droplets may contain the virus.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth before washing your hands – Because hands can pick up the virus from the contaminated surfaces.
- Try to follow good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing – Because it can protect people around you from getting the virus.
- Stay home if you experience fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing, and immediately consult a medical expert – Because by doing this, you can help in preventing the spread of the virus.
- Keep yourself updated with the latest information about COVID-19 and don’t miss to follow even single advice given by your medical expert – Because it is very important to be aware of the existing condition of COVID-19 in your area and others.
To control the COVID-19 outbreak, scientists continue working on the vaccines and experts are suggesting the public to follow the essential actions to prevent contracting the virus. The positive immune response is an easy way to stay healthy and keep this novel virus at bay.
Don’t panic, simply incorporate these recommended foods to your daily diet and take the above-mentioned preventive measures to overcome this virus.
We hope that the world will gain success in finding the cure to this deadly virus and we will be out of this catastrophe soon.
We hope for your great health. Stay healthy and stay safe!
