CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Whether it’s coronavirus, the flu, or a cold circulating, you can always use a boost to your immune system to help ward off illnesses.
We’re all doing our part to help stop the spread of COVID19 by social distancing, but you can also boost your chances of staying healthy right in the comfort of your home.
Cynthia Malowitz, nurse practitioner at Bay Area Quick Care says getting more Vitamin D, C, and E can give you that robust defense system your body needs to fight off diseases.
“Salmon, tuna, egg yolks, those are some of the foods you can eat to increase your vitamin D levels," said Malowitz. “Cantelopes, pineapples, papayas, kiwi, papaya, and blue berries.”
But the best source for Vitamin D, Malowitz says can’t be found inside.
“Definitely sunlight, that’s the most important," said Malowitz.
And while you’re outside, use that time to stimulate your body’s circulation, it will help drive the nutrients you just ate into the cells.
“Just getting out on the beach, if you could just walk 30 minutes per day it is so beneficial," Malowitz explained.
If you don’t want to go outside, she says running in place, or going up and down the stairs is just as effective.
Hopefully that will tire you out enough to get a good nights sleep, too.
“Good quality sleep is very important, people need to get about 7 to 8 hours of sleep at night," said Malowitz.
She adds that stress increases cortisol levels which wreaks havoc on your immune system so if you can, try to listen to music, meditate, and unwind.
And though it's customary to indulge in delicios treats and foods you've been abstaining from for weeks, Malowitz says you should try to avoid candy, sugars and processed foods as much as possible.
Making your health and well-being a priority will help in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
