Something we promote in our classes for kids is the importance of keeping our immune system strong. At no time is that more important than when there is something going around that is contagious. As tennis players we tend to get a lot of overuse to muscles and joints. We can reduce this by eating more foods or supplements that are high in antioxidants, vitamin c, and vitamin e. I write this to you today because Blue Cross just left something in my inbox that talks about what we teach. Yes, a health insurance company pushing something other than pharmaceuticals. Here is the article.
Eat well to keep your immune system strong.
By now, chances are you know the advice on protecting yourself and others from the coronavirus: Keep your distance. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. And so on.
But here's one bit of advice to think about too: Eat healthy foods.
Eating nutritiously has always been a way to stay healthy. A healthy diet strengthens your immune system, and a strong immune system helps protect you from illness. While no single food or diet can prevent illness, eating healthy can help your body prevent, fight, and recover from infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What does healthy eating look like?
Of course, it's best to keep your immune system healthy all the time, not just when a virus is going around. That means focusing on a well-balanced diet filled with nutritious foods including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, these nutrients can help strengthen your immune system:
Probiotics. These good bacteria can be found in cultured dairy products such as yogurt.
Protein. This may be especially helpful in healing and recovery. You can find this in plant and animal products such as milk, eggs, beef, chicken, fish, nuts, beans, and seeds.
Vitamin A. This helps regulate the immune system and protect against infections. Look for it in sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, spinach, eggs, and milk or cereal fortified with vitamin A.
Vitamin C. Look for this in citrus fruits. It helps the immune system by increasing the amount of antibodies in your system.
Vitamin D. Find it in fatty fish and eggs, as well as drinks fortified with vitamin D.
Vitamin E. This works as an antioxidant. Antioxidants decrease inflammation. Find vitamin E in fortified cereals, sunflower seeds, vegetable oils, and peanut butter.
Zinc. This may help wounds heal. You can find it in wheat germ, beans, and tofu, but zinc is best absorbed from animal sources such as beef and fish.
The best way to get the nutrients your immune system needs is to include a wide variety of healthy foods in your diet. That's usually a better option than a supplement. Overloading on specific nutrients won't give your immune system a super boost. In fact, taking too much of some of them can actually do more harm than good.
Take an all-around approach
Eating nutritious foods is just one way to strengthen your immune system. Other good habits include:
• Getting a good amount of sleep each night
• Being active every day
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Coping with stress and anxiety in healthy ways, like deep breathing and exercise
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