We must always reform our immune system, but now, in the midst of a covid-19 pandemic even more so. We tell you a series of routines that you carry and that do you a disservice
Maintaining a strong immune system is one of the most important things, and more at this time. as the covid-19 pandemic continues.
The coronavirus, as we are seeing, is an infection that spreads very quickly between people. Beyond the basic guidelines recommended by the Government to avoid spreading the virus and reducing the case of infected, there are things we can do from home to strengthen the immune system and, with it, reduce the chances of becoming infected.
Habits that you should stop now
In addition to not leaving the house other than what is essential, avoiding contact with other beings and washing your hands often, you can avoid becoming infected with coronavirus if you eat smart and banish a series of habits, such as the following:
1) You drink too much alcohol
A glass of wine or beer every now and then can be a healthy way to better cope with confinement, but excessive alcohol consumption, even in the short term, can disrupt your immune system.
In an article published in the journal Alcohol Research, researchers pointed out that there is a clear relationship between excessive alcohol consumption and a weakened immune response, making people more susceptible to pneumonia and acute respiratory stress syndromes (ARDS), conditions that they are closely related to covid-19.
Heavy drinking is consuming eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more for men. If you exceed these amounts you should take action now or seek professional help if you think you have a problem with alcohol.
2) Consume too much salt and sugar
A study from the Bonn University Hospital has concluded that consuming too much salt can lead to immune deficiencies. The researchers found that when the kidneys excrete excess sodium, a ripple effect occurs that reduces the body's ability to fight bacterial infections.
The same thing happens with excess sugar: numerous studies have shown it and the World Health Organization has also sounded the alarm, dictating that we should only drink up to 12 teaspoons a day, just the amount that a common soda contains. Also, it is known to be quite caloric.
You don't have to avoid these two condiments entirely, but you do have to watch your portions. The less you add of both to your food, the better.
3) Drinking too much coffee and tea
Although coffee and tea have been shown to be good for health, they stop being good when we drink them in disproportionate amounts, since consuming too much caffeine can interfere with sleep, and this result can increase inflammation and compromise our immune system.
It is best to eliminate pre-made caffeinated drinks, such as energy drinks, as they contain sugar and / or artificial sweeteners that are not good for us. We must also stop consuming coffee or tea at least six hours before going to bed.
4) Smoking
As is evident, smokers have a higher risk of contracting respiratory diseases and not only that, but the ability to recover is much slower. The passive smoker is also exposed to these limitations.
5) being too stressed
In these moments it is essential to control anxiety and stress that uncertainty produces. The effect of stress on health is one of the indicators that most influences the immune system and lifestyle. People who live under stress suffer more from viral infections, take longer to heal, and react worse to vaccines.
6) not eating enough green vegetables
The greens can be particularly useful for strengthening our immune system because they provide key nutrients and vitamins A and C, as well as folic acid. They also contain bioactive compounds that release a chemical signal that optimizes immunity in the gut.
So you know, more kale, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. We should eat at least three cups a week, either raw or cooked.
Brushing your teeth, flossing, and routine visits to the dentist are all important and key contributors to your oral health. And there’s a growing consensus among dental and medical experts that your oral health affects your body as a whole.