10 Ways to Boost Your Immunity to Fight COVID-19 By: Melanie Martin With the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the risk of exposure has increased exponentially. Even if you are exposed, you may not get infected if your immune system is strong enough. Dr. Terry Shintani, renowned Hawaii nutritionist and family physician, gives sound advice in a YouTube video on 10 ways to boost your immune system to protect against COVID-19.
Get about 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. 5. Vitamin D – Vitamin D protects against viral infections and can be enhanced not just by supplements, but by moderate exposure to sunlight. 6. Vitamin C - Vitamin C reduces symptoms of common cold.
1. Eat colorful fruits and vegetables – Fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins and nutrients to boost your immune system.
7. Zinc – Like vitamin C, zinc also reduces symptoms of the common cold and keeps your immune system strong.
2. Avoid things that burden the immune system - Stop doing things that will weaken your immunity such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating processed foods.
8. Garlic – Studies have shown that garlic may reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
3. Exercise – Exercise wakes up your immune system. Moderate exercise reduces the risk and severity of respiratory viral infections. But don’t overdo it! Too much exercise can compromise your immune system. 4. Sleep – Sleep positively affects your ability to ward off viral infections.
9. Elderberry – This is a dark purple berry from the elder tree. A randomized study found elderberry relieves symptoms of the common cold an average of four days earlier. 10. Ginger – Allicin, which is found in ginger, has the ability to inhibit the binding capacity of viruses. As such, it is likely to prevent influenza, respiratory viruses, and possibly COVID-19. To view this and Dr. Shintani’s other videos about COVID-19, visit youtube.com/channel/ UCHAL6LYp_00SLoBO4ai1XnQ.
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