If you can’t cope with the fear and stress regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, fret not. Though the virus has instilled a sense of fear in everyone, there’s still a lot in your control.
Having a robust immune system is necessary, especially in unprecedented times like these. With more than 16 million cases worldwide, countries are grappling with imminent dangers. A high resilience power undoubtedly reduces the risk of being infected from various diseases, including COVID-19.
It is the fast-paced lives of the modern times that is to blame for the unhealthy lifestyle we lead. This can weaken the defense mechanism in your body, thereby making you more prone to infections.
What is the Immune System?
The immune system has a complicated network of proteins and cells. It defends your body from invaders such as bacteria, germs, viruses, and foreign bodies, thereby reducing the chances of getting infected. Despite its complexity, your everyday lifestyle can improve its functioning.
There are two levels of defense in the immune system, which include:
- The Innate immune system: It refers to the non-specific natural resistance power that you’re born with. It’s active the moment you are born.
- Adaptive immune system: It’s also referred to as acquired immunity; it occurs only after the exposure to an antigen from a vaccination or pathogen.
How Can You Boost Your Immunity?
Numerous aspects affect the functioning of the immune system. A healthy lifestyle is one way of strengthening it. It includes the following:
- Engaging in physical activity
- Getting adequate sleep
- Staying hydrated
- Taking care of your mental wellbeing
- Healthy diet
What are the Best Foods for Immunity?
It is the gut microbiomes that play a vital role in your body’s response against pathogens. Several scientific studies indicate that eating a healthy diet rich in minerals and antioxidants can control gut microbes. If you’re looking to transition to immunity-boosting, nutritious food, read on to learn more.
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Cannabidiol (CBD):
Cannabis Sativa is one of the oldest growing plants, consisting of numerous chemical compounds. CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the most prominent ones. As it is non-psychoactive, it does not induce any high and is safe for consumption. Its popularity has skyrocketed due to its remarkable potential to treat ailments. It exhibits anti-anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, anti-acne, and other properties.
Today, many people choose to grow this plant in their home and reap the benefits of home-grown freshness. The quality and yield of this plant depend significantly upon the seeds. You can buy them from your trusted source of premium marijuana seeds.
How it Improves Your Immunity:
Cannabidiol interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a cell-signaling system that maintains homeostasis. It binds with the cannabinoid receptors, influencing numerous bodily functions and causing an alteration in the immune responses.
CBD helps the immune system in the following ways:
- It suppresses your body’s inflammatory response, thereby providing pain relief.
- It helps prevent your body from attacking healthy cells and destroying them. This slows down the progression of the disease considerably. CBD is, therefore, beneficial for people struggling with autoimmune diseases such as Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP).
- It balances the immune system and brings it to equilibrium.
Ways to Consume CBD for Immunity:
Cannabidiol is available in numerous forms. Even though all have the same effects, each takes different times to provide relief. A few of them include:
- Topical products: CBD massage oil, balms, gels, creams, and lotions have a topical application. They are useful for relieving stress, pain, and inflammation in specific areas. A cannabidiol-infused massage would be excellent for relaxing your mind and body.
- Capsules: These are a discreet way of consuming this substance. If you’re accustomed to taking pills, this would be best for you.
- Edibles: CBD-infused edibles such as cookies, chocolates, gummies, etc. would be ideal for someone who finds the earthy taste of this substance unbearable.
- Isolates and tinctures are other convenient ways of consuming this substance.
You can choose the way to consume them as per your requirements. Yet, if you’re on other medications, consult your doctor before adding CBD to your wellness routine.
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Fruits and Vegetables:
Nutrition experts believe that fruits and vegetables can help your immune system. They are a remarkable source of minerals and vitamins. Apart from that, they are also abundant in dietary fiber that helps maintain a healthy gut, which is crucial for immunity. Moreover, if they are naturally low in calories, they help you remain fit.
Fruits:
White Blood Cells (WBC’s), also known as leukocytes, are crucial for your immunity. That is because they flow through the bloodstream and help fight infections, thereby protecting your body. Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, acts as a powerful antioxidant. It helps increase the production of these cells, thus increasing your resilience power.
As the human body does not naturally produce Vitamin C, we need to consume it. Citrus fruits are an excellent means to get Vitamin C in your body, and some of the ways to help it stimulate your immune system include:
- Grapefruit
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Clementines
- Pomelos
- Limes
- Acai Berry
Watermelon is also an immunity-boosting fruit as it is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and glutathione. Kiwi and Papaya are again a great source of ascorbic acid.
Vegetables:
Leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are powerhouses of minerals and vitamins. The former contains high levels of Vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and beta-carotene. Animal studies suggest that sulforaphane, a compound present in broccoli, activates specific enzymes. They help combat the free radicals that could otherwise damage healthy cells and lead to diseases.
Spinach, on the other hand, has high levels of fiber, magnesium, folate, iron, and Vitamin A. Just like broccoli, it is rich in beta-carotene. This increases your infection-fighting ability. Ensure that you do not cook these vegetables for a prolonged period as they might lose their nutritional value. Sweet potatoes, cabbage, and carrots are three other vegetables you can consider to boost your immunity.
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Dry Fruits and Nuts:
Dry fruits are rich in minerals, dietary fiber, and vitamins. Almonds, walnuts, apricots, cashews, raisins, and prunes are the primary ones recommended by health experts. Our fast-paced lives undoubtedly add to our stress levels. Nuts can help you manage your stress and thereby improve your mental wellbeing.
Obesity can decrease your immunity and responsiveness to certain vaccinations. As dry fruits are devoid of additives and have less fat content, they make for an excellent weight-loss snack. However, you should eat them in moderation- about 20 grams every day.
Final Thoughts:
Though the immune system is complicated, it’s in your hands to strengthen it through your diet, sleep cycle, and exercise. By including the foods mentioned above in your wellness routine, you can experience a considerable positive impact. They can significantly improve your wellbeing and quality of life. However, it’s incredibly vital to understand that a well-balanced diet is key to remaining healthy. Anything in excess always has adverse effects on your body.
Reference links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-that-boost-the-immune-system
https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/immune_system_boosting_foods
https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/immunity-boosters-8-foods-you-should-eat-during-monsoons-778596#:~:text=Dry%20fruits%20like%20walnuts%2C%20almonds,and%20react%20to%20stress%20better.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322412
