Introduction
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to take steps to boost your immunity. Eating the right foods can help your body fight off infection and stay healthy. This article will provide some tips on how to boost your immunity during the BA.5 Surge by eating the right foods. We will discuss the importance of eating a balanced diet, the benefits of certain foods, and how to make healthy food choices. By following these tips, you can help your body stay strong and fight off any potential illnesses.
Ways to Boost Your Immunity During BA.5 Surge
The BA.5 surge is a period of increased risk for contracting and spreading infectious diseases. During this time, it is important to take extra precautions to boost your immunity and protect yourself and those around you. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy during the BA.5 surge:
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining a strong immune system. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Eating a variety of foods will ensure that you get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for a strong immune system. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to ensure that your body has enough time to rest and recharge. Avoiding late-night snacks and limiting caffeine intake can also help you get a better night’s sleep.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of getting sick. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. This can include walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or any other activity that gets your heart rate up.
Reduce Stress
Stress can weaken your immune system, so it is important to find ways to reduce stress during the BA.5 surge. Try activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to help reduce stress levels. You can also try talking to a friend or family member about your worries and concerns.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands regularly is one of the best ways to protect yourself from germs and viruses. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before eating, after using the restroom, and after coming into contact with other people or surfaces.
Eat This, Not That
Certain foods can help boost your immunity, while others can weaken it. To stay healthy during the BA.5 surge, focus on eating foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, and fried foods, as these can weaken your immune system.
BA.5 has become the dominant subvariant in the US, causing a surge of COVID-19 cases across the country. “I think there’s a worry about there being a perfect storm over the autumn, winter with new variants, which are almost inevitable, of Covid, flu and other respiratory infections,” says Professor Lawrence S. Young, a virologist and professor of molecular oncology at the University of Warwick. Here are five ways to boost your immunity during this surge, according to experts. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Exercise—especially post-vaccination—is a great way to support your immune system. A recent study from the University of Iowa found that people who exercised for an hour and half after getting vaccinated produced more antibodies compared to people who resumed their normal routine. “Our preliminary results are the first to demonstrate a specific amount of time can enhance the body’s antibody response to the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine and two vaccines for influenza,” says Kinesiology Professor Marian Kohut, lead author of the paper published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. “A lot more research is needed to answer the why and how. There are so many changes that take place when we exercise – metabolic, biochemical, neuroendocrine, circulatory. So, there’s probably a combination of factors that contribute to the antibody response we found in our study.”
Getting enough sleep is essential for helping optimize your immune system. “Prioritizing sleep and allowing your body to rest can stabilize your mood, energize you and fuel your resilience, especially during these challenging times,” says Jennifer Rose V. Molano, MD, UC Health neurologist and associate professor in the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to support your immune health. “Malnutrition or a diet lacking in one or more nutrients can impair the production and activity of immune cells and antibodies,” says Harvard Health. “Examples of nutrients that have been identified as critical for the growth and function of immune cells include vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, and protein (including the amino acid glutamine). They are found in a variety of plant and animal foods.”
“There are two types of white blood cells – lymphocytes and phagocytes. When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to infections,” says Saul McLeod, PhD. “The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes). Stress can also have an indirect effect on the immune system as a person may use unhealthy behavioral coping strategies to reduce their stress, such as drinking and smoking.”
Vaccination is still the most effective way to boost your immune system and avoid serious illness, doctors advise. “Vaccination, skepticism of any other products claiming immune benefits, and staying away from places without universal masking are the best strategies,” says Michael Starnbach, PhD, professor of microbiology at Harvard Medical School. Don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
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