Strengthen immunity and fight coronavirus

Fears about coronavirus have prompted online searches and plenty of misinformation about how to strengthen the immune system. As worries grow about the new coronavirus, online searches for ways to bolster the immune system have surged. One cannot avoid the risk of being affected by the virus, but the right diet is said to support the immune system so that it is ready to take on anything.

Building a healthy immune system is not rocket science, a lot of it is common sense. So, how do we support robust immunity? What to eat to help protect yourself from coronavirus? Nutrition experts reveal the foods and spices that boost your immunity and health fast. There are several nutrients that you can include in your eating plan that may help keep your immune system strong.

Ginger is an ingredient that may help decrease inflammation, reduce a sore throat and plays a powerful role as an antioxidant. Cloves help to fight cold and flu. Turmeric increases the body's antioxidant capacity and strengthens immunity. Turmeric and cinnamon have strong anti-inflammatory properties and can be added to warm water, coffee and desserts. garlic is a popular remedy for colds, it has a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

Most people turn to vitamin C after they have caught a cold because it helps build up your immune system. It increases the production of white blood cells. Popular citrus fruits include grapefruit, oranges, lemons and limes. your body does not produce or store vitamin C, so you need daily vitamin C for strong immunity.

Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation in the body. The lining of the cells is protected by this fatty acid. It thus keeps the immune system in check. It bolsters the immune system, so when there is a viral attack the body is prepared. Have walnuts and oily sea fish which contain omega 3.

Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fibre which can fight diseases. Spinach is also packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which may increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems. Like broccoli, spinach is healthiest when it is cooked as little as possible so that it retains its nutrients.

Yoghurt that has live and active cultures called probiotics stimulate the immune system to help fight diseases and promote beneficial bacteria growth in the gut. Almonds contain vitamin E which helps to prevent and fight off colds.

Our bodies need adequate vitamin D to produce the antimicrobial proteins that kill viruses and bacteria. These proteins are particularly active in the respiratory tract. Vitamin D can be found in fatty fish, such as salmon, and milk or foods fortified with vitamin D.

Variety is the key to proper nutrition. Eating just one of these foods would not be enough to help fight off the flu/cold, even if you eat it constantly. Pay attention to serving sizes and recommended daily intake so that you do not get too much of a single vitamin and too little of others.

Prevention is better than cure. If you boost and strengthen your immune system, you will be able to prevent sickness naturally. Your immune system does a marvelous job of fighting off germs and disease. Also, you should practice good hygiene. There is no magic pill, or a specific food guaranteed to bolster your immune system and protect you from the new coronavirus. But there are real ways you can take care of yourself and give your immune system the best chance to do its job against this respiratory illness.

The writer is a nutritionist.

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