CLEVELAND — As the state of Ohio continues it's fight against the coronavirus pandemic, staying healthy seems to be a top priority for everyone.
But outside of washing your hands, not touching your face and proper social distancing, how can you increase your health and overall wellness? The Cleveland Clinic recommends boosting your immune system.
Here's four ways to take you immune system health up a notch.
Focus on Food:
You diet can have a huge impact on your immune Health.
“I believe in the power of immune-boosting foods,” says Dr. Darling. “Choosing whole, unprocessed foods does wonders for overall health,” says Preventive medicine physician and wellness expert Sandra Darling.
She suggests adding foods like garlic, prebiotics, vitamin C-rich foods, and antioxidants to your diet to give your system a boost.
Improve your Lifestyle:
Listen, we know it's hard, but living under constant stress is detrimental to the body. Too much stress "cause causes the body to produce too much cortisol, the stress hormone. Over time, elevated cortisol lowers your resistance to fighting off infection and contributes to poor sleep and higher blood pressure," according to the clinic. Dr. Darling suggests making sure you get enough sleep, exercise and try meditation.
Change your Attitude:
A little bit of positivity goes a long way. "Research shows that positive thoughts reduce stress and inflammation and increase resilience to infection — while negative emotions can make you more susceptible to the common cold and flu," according to the Clinic.
Natural Immunity Aids:
If you've done all that you can when it comes to taking care of your immune system health, the Clinic recommends trying supplements and or essential oils.
The Clinic also recommends making sure you're taking time for yourself to rest in recharge. There's a lot going on in the world, you can't pour from an empty cup--so fill yours up!
For more information on the Clinic tips and resources, click here.
