8 Ways to Strengthen the Immune System Against Coronavirus
The immune system, which fights to eliminate disease-causing microbes and viruses that enter the body, can sometimes become weak by being affected by various factors and cause some related diseases to be severe or recurrent.
The immune system, which fights to eliminate disease-causing microbes and viruses that enter the body, can sometimes become weak by being affected by various factors and cause some related diseases to be severe or recurrent. Stating that lifestyle is effective in strengthening the immune system, Anadolu Health Center Nutrition and Diet Specialist Tuba Örnek said, “Factors that suppress and weaken the immune system; faulty eating habits, sedentary life, smoking, sleep disorders and stress. While these still exist, immune-boosting supplements are of no use. “The right supplements for the right person will increase your immune power when healthy lifestyle changes are made.”
- Attention should be paid to a varied diet
- Be careful about sugar and carbohydrate consumption
- Protein intake should be kept at an adequate level
- 3 servings of fish should be consumed per week
- Turmeric consumption activates the immune system
- Oilseeds should be added to the diet
- Attention should be paid to vitamin D
- 3 servings of fish should be consumed per week
- Plenty of water should be consumed
Sample recipe: Herbal tea that will increase body resistance
Sample recipe: Salad recipe with plenty of antioxidants
Nutrition and Diet Specialist Tuba Örnek emphasized the importance of keeping our immune system strong, especially in these days when we are exposed to the Coronavirus epidemic, and made suggestions to strengthen our immune system.
Attention should be paid to a varied diet
Immune-boosting nutrition starts with a balanced diet. Adequate nutrition from 4 food groups should be provided. These; milk and its products, meat group, vegetable-fruit group and grains. Among these groups, there are foods that are very successful in dealing with infection. Various colorful vegetables and fruits are especially valuable due to their various antioxidant and fiber contents.
You should include a variety of all vegetables and fruits in your diet, especially onions, garlic, brassicas, cruciferous vegetables, broccoli, pomegranates, oranges and avocados. The ability of vegetables and fruits to help probiotics, the beneficial bacteria in our intestines, strengthens our defense system. In order to increase our probiotic count, we will use fermented products such as yoghurt, kefir, pickle and vinegar, and you can also use probiotic-prebiotic supplements if your doctor and dietician deem it appropriate.
Be careful about sugar and carbohydrate consumption
We do not need simple carbohydrates, that is, table sugar and foods made with sugar, and they also suppress our immune system. Therefore, we should prefer complex carbohydrates, that is, unrefined, whole grains and shelled grains. For example, whole wheat bread, oats and bulgur.
Protein intake should be kept at an adequate level
Antibodies secreted by the immune system are protein in nature. You should keep your protein intake at an adequate level. Meat, chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, dairy products and legumes contain protein. Additionally, zinc mineral in this group helps us increase our resistance.
3 servings of fish should be consumed per week
Omega 3 fatty acids also play an important role in strengthening our immune system. It is found primarily in fish, but also in purslane and walnuts. Your fish consumption should be grilled or baked. We recommend 3 servings per week. If you cannot consume fish oil capsules, you can consume them by consulting your doctor or dietitian.
Consuming plenty of water is important to purify the body from toxins and revitalize the metabolism.
Turmeric consumption activates the immune system
Turmeric is one of the plants that has been studied most recently. We know that it activates the immune system. You can use it in your soups along with black pepper as a spice. You can also benefit from sugar-free lozenges containing turmeric and ginger.
Oilseeds should be added to the diet
Among the oilseeds, walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds are beneficial in terms of vitamin E, vegetable fatty acids and various mineral contents. Oil types, especially olive oil, coconut oil and avocado oils, are powerful antioxidants.
Attention should be paid to vitamin D
Take advantage of the sun to increase your vitamin D levels. Use your supplements if necessary with doctor’s advice.
Plenty of water should be consumed
Consuming plenty of water is important to purify the body from toxins and revitalize the metabolism.
