Boosting Your Immune System: Preparing Yourself for the Next Coronavirus or Pandemic
It’s only a matter of time before the next wave of the coronavirus or the next pandemic hits. Fortunately, the human body already has a built-in defense mechanism against illnesses. A strong and healthy immune system can effectively fight off sickness-causing microorganisms. Here’s how to boost your immune system and be better prepared for the future.
Watch What You Eat
The foods we eat play a major role in our body’s ability to ward off illness. Processed foods should be completely eliminated from the diet. Some examples include frozen pizza, fried chicken, hot dogs, bacon, and sausage. These foods don’t have enough of the vital nutrients that your body needs to have its systems function at optimal levels. This of course includes your immune system, which is directly tied to your digestive system.
Sugar consumption is yet another big problem. Oftentimes, people crave sugar when dealing with a stressful situation. However, too much of this sweet substance can cause people to really pack on the pounds. This only increases the threat of diabetes. This is especially true of processed/refined sugars. They are simply not good for you and need to be consumed as little as you can manage.
Most importantly, planning what you eat will have the biggest positive effect on your ability to have a healthy diet. When the moment of hunger comes, it’s all too easy to succumb to whatever is quickest and easiest to get. That usually means some sort of fast food, which is difficult to find truly healthy options for. So plan ahead!
Implement Aloe Into Your Diet as an Immune-Boosting Supplement
Most people know that Aloe gel is good for burns and other external uses. But scientists have long considered the aloe plant to be a powerful superfood. For good reason, more and more people have started to drink aloe juice. It is packed with essential nutrients and other compounds that really boost your immune system and digestive system.
Some of the key vitamins found in Aloe include B vitamins, vitamin C and E, and other antioxidants that can discourage the growth of certain pathogens. This means the chances of becoming sick with an infection will be much lower. You’ll also get polysaccharides like Acemannan and Anthraquinones like Aloe-emodin that are vital for the fortification and rejuvenation of optimal immune system function.
Studies have shown that the species Aloe arborescens can have a higher concentration of these vital nutrients and healing compounds. It can further enhance your immune system’s response and ability to fight off disease.
Exercise Regularly
It’s no secret that exercising can boost a person’s ability to overcome sickness. Even as we age, working out regularly helps ensure optimum health. According to researchers, everyone should strive to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. With no vaccine currently available for the latest coronavirus, now is definitely the time to start becoming more active.
While moderate exercise is highly beneficial, it’s important to not overexert yourself. Prolonged intense exercise that your body is not used to can actually temporarily weaken your immune system. Walking is among the easiest ways to get moving if you don’t already exercise regularly. After a person starts to get in better shape, they should make it a goal to walk or some other form of exercise for 30 to 60 minutes a day.
Get Plenty of Sleep (7-9 hours)
Some people tend to neglect sleep. However, a lack of quality sleep can dramatically weaken the immune system. Experts emphasize the importance of getting at least seven hours of sleep per night. Also, you should try to go to bed before 12 AM. The brain has a natural circadian clock, which causes the rest of the body to wake up at a certain time. Staying up late will cause an individual to miss out on the most powerful phases of sleep.
If someone is having trouble resting at night, their adrenaline levels are probably too high. This is especially true for people who drink coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Caffeine can remain in the bloodstream for more than 24 hours, thus making it difficult to remain asleep throughout the night. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol can be just as bad. Although a glass of wine may initially cause a relaxed feeling, it actually makes it difficult to go into deep REM sleep.
Manage Stress in Healthy Ways
The fear of COVID-19 and the economic instability it has caused has many people on edge. Unfortunately, this constant worry for some creates dangerous levels of stress and anxiety. Too much negative stress can definitely compromise the immune system. Finding healthy ways to manage stress and stay calm is critical.
For starters, find a healthy outlet and escape that is available to you daily. Exercise, constructive hobbies, time with loved ones, being out in nature, are some examples of great outlets for stress. Anxiety can also be eased by meditating daily. While relaxing in a quiet area, simply close your eyes and envision being at your favorite vacation destination. Joking around can also help people to unwind. Laughter is a well-known stress reliever. It’s also a good idea to avoid spending too much time watching the news. Continuously watching the world’s chaos on television only creates more panic. Focus on what you can control and the good around you.
Spend Some Time Outdoors
It’s rarely a good idea for anyone to stay shut inside their home. Humans need to go outdoors to get fresh air. Plants produce organic chemicals called phytoncides. Scientists have a strong belief that phytoncides boost immunity when inhaled regularly.
Of course, 
being outdoors gives people an opportunity to soak up some rays. The sun naturally triggers the body to produce more vitamin D. While some foods provide vitamin D, more than 90 percent of this nutrient is derived from sun exposure. When vitamin D levels are low, there’s a much greater risk of infection to occur. Vitamin D levels have also been linked to the severity of Covid-19 cases. So get outside and get some exercise while you’re at it. Even a good brisk walk and a stretch will do the trick.
The good news is many of these things build on each other. Eating healthy will give you more sustained energy, which makes it easier to exercise, which can most often be done outdoors, which can get you vitamin D from the sun, and can also get you out in nature and can help you destress. And when you’re less stressed, you tend to eat healthier. See the pattern? Now go do it, and don’t forget your Aloe!