We don’t know what’s going to happen with Coronavirus but why not boost your immunity just in case? Coronavirus leads to pneumonia and if your immunity isn’t great, you’re more at risk of not being able to recover. Without wanting to cause alarm, if you’re someone that gets frequent colds or infections or your recovery is often slow, then follow these tips and look after yourself.
1. Vitamin D is a really important immune modulator. The UK government advises we all take a supplement (vitamin D3) in winter as the sun isn’t strong enough to activate its production via our skin. Important to note here too that if you are someone who RARELY gets colds or infections there may be some immune system issues. Autoimmune conditions are fairly common and this can be a warning sign.
2. Relax. Relax time is healing time. We need to be in the nervous system’s ‘rest and repair’ mode for healing and immunity to work at their best so incorporate chill time a few times a day. Stress is not your friend here.
3. Eat more garlic. Garlic has anti-oxidant properties and has been found to be both anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Crush garlic and leave for 10 minutes before eating to allow for the important allicin to be activated. Heating will reduce its powers so use raw where possible. You can also take a garlic supplement. Maybe not one for Valentine’s Day.
4. Zinc is needed for the normal development and function of immune cells and actually inhibits rhinovirus (the common cold) replication in vitro (ie. in a petri dish). Find good levels in chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef, egg yolks, sea food and whole grains.
5. A deficiency in selenium (high in brazil nuts) can cause immune dysfunction.
6. Vitamin C is the one we all know about when it comes to the cold virus and available in abundance in fruit and vegetables so increase these, so important for immunity.
7. Did you know that 70% of the immune system is in the gut? A probiotic to boost levels of beneficial bacteria will improve the gut environment and its function.
9. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dry mucus membranes allow bacteria to form more of their biofilms which can lead to us getting ill.
10. Immune boosting supplements? There are many but two of my favourites are the Bee Prepared range and Pukka Elderberry Syrup (both also good for kids). (Disclaimer: Always check with a practitioner if supplements are suitable for you).
Other than that just wash your hands and sneeze into your elbow.
Alice Godfrey Nutrition 