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Next Health Internal Medicine
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Next Health Internal Medicine
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Boost Immune System: Combat COVID-19
COVID-19 is highly contagious and can be fatal to the elderly or sick population. So how can you boost your immune system?
Firstly, don’t panic. This is a respiratory virus transmitted through droplets, so protecting yourself from exposure is essential. Per the CDC recommendations, social distancing of three feet is recommended, washing your hands regularly with soap and water, and not touching your nose, eyes, or face.
Should you be sick, stay away from public places and have one family member care for you in a well-ventilated room. If you have a high fever, shortness of breath, or feel very unwell, seek medical advice.
Avoiding the virus is only part of the battle, however. Boosting your immune system through proactive measures will further insure against viral attacks.
How Can I Combat COVID-19?
People with or without symptoms can be proactive. By boosting your immune system, you can potentially prevent infection, minimize transmission, or have a faster recovery from the illness.
In order to achieve this, prioritize sleep, gut health, and reducing inflammation. Without adequate sleep, there is less blood flow in the brain, and a greater likelihood of a suppressed immune system.
Gut health is incredibly important to your immune system, therefore, diets rich in wholesome foods promote bacterial diversity, which in turn optimizes metabolism and decreases inflammation. Optimizing your total antioxidant function and increasing antioxidant levels can also minimize inflammation.
What Are the 5 Pillars Of a Healthy Immune System?
Sleep: Get at least 7-9 hours of restful sleep. Refrain from eating three hours before bed.
Don’t eat processed food: Additives, preservatives, and food coloring irritate the nervous system, creating anxiety and disturbing sleep, as well as altering the beneficial diversity of gut bacteria.
Eat wholesome foods: Berries are rich in antioxidants, which boost the immune system. Polyphenols also promote good gut bacterial diversity, which activates energy pathways like AMPK for better metabolism. Green leafy foods rich in nitrates promote increased nitric oxide, leading to increased blood flow.
Supplementation: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function. Vitamin D3 supports natural killer cells, which combat viral replication. Omega 3 works with vitamin C to reduce inflammation. Probiotics promote bacterial diversity.
Boost the immune system with intravenous (IV) infusions: Vitamin IV therapy is an effective way to replenish fluids, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. Its advantage is that nutrients are made immediately available. Delivering essential nutrients at the cellular level for maximum absorption, infusions are designed to help you reach peak performance, recover from flu, hydrate, detoxify, and more. It is safe and painless.
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