Staying Healthy During COVID-19
Although COVID-19 has rapidly spread to many parts of the world and may cause large-scale personal and economic losses, there are things we can do to get through this challenging time with a level-headed perspective and constructive measures we can take to reduce our personal risk and the chance of spreading the disease to others. In this post, we’ll outline the ways you can protect yourself and others and share a few tips to boost your own immunity.
Preventative Measures
The following is a list of preventative measures we can all take to help abate the spread of COVID-19:
- Social distancing: One of the most effective prevention methods, practice social distancing by avoiding shaking hands and keeping a 6-foot distance from others, unless they are uninfected family members or roommates.
- Stay remote: Postpone your vacations and business trips, avoid common areas where people gather, such as restaurants, cafes, and fitness clubs, and if possible work from home.
- Hygiene: Implementing good hygiene is also very important so be sure to frequently wash your hands for 20-30 seconds with soap and water and avoid touching your face.
- Elderly & vulnerable: Protecting the most vulnerable, such as those who are elderly or have autoimmune diseases or cancer, will go a long way. People over 60 should stay home and avoid unnecessary contact with others. You can still support them by providing them with food and supplies (while being mindful of the necessary social distancing measures).
Boosting Immunity
Our immune system suffers when we’re deficient in nutrients so it’s vital during these times that we’re conscious of our diet. To strengthen your immune system, we suggest the following:
- Less sugar and refined starch: Consume a diet heavy in nutrients and one that includes less sugar and refined starch. Our immune system suffers when we’re deficient in nutrients and refined sugars have been proven to further suppress our immunity.
- Protein: Especially helpful for boosting immunity, so we recommend daily consumption of sufficient animal protein or plant-based proteins, such as legumes, nuts and beans.
- Variety: To top it all off, we also suggest adding spices, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods to your diet for the same reason.
- Sleep & fluids: Lastly, don’t forget to get 8 hours of sleep a night and intake fluids as you normally should.
Regarding supplements for immunity, we recommend taking a multivitamin, which will provide the basic vitamins and minerals your body needs on a daily basis. Of all of the vitamins and minerals important to the human body, though, we’d like to highlight a specific few:
- Vitamin D3: Studies have shown that getting enough Vitamin D can reduce colds and flu by 42%. We suggest that adults consume 2000 IU and children 1000 IU.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C has long been known to boost the immune system, so we recommend taking 500-1000 mg throughout the day with your regular meals and snacks.
- Probiotics: Healthy gut flora creates a healthy gut and serves as a barrier to pathogens, supplementing immunity.
- Fish oil: Contains unsaturated fats – the good fats – and an extra dose of Vitamin D.
Staying Mindful
Though COVID-19 has been classified as a global pandemic, it’s important for us to take constructive steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Eat healthily and mindfully, supplement your diet with vitamins, and practice social distancing. In doing so, we can dramatically reduce sickness and death and do our part to #flattenthecurve.
We understand that this is a difficult time for each and every one of you and we are here for you to do everything in our power to help. If you’re looking for additional support for immune boosting or addressing ways to reduce your risk, GritWell is currently offering a complimentary month of our completely virtual services. Your health is our top priority so feel free to email us at [email protected] to speak with the GritWell care team and one of our health practitioners.