Many people have started the year of 2022 with bouts of anxiety, as COVID-19 and its variant Omicron cases continue to rise across our cities, states, country, and the world. It is normal for viruses to evolve and create variants during the evolution process, and as long as the virus is able to reproduce, mutate, and transmit, it will flourish and continue to maintain its spreading ability.
Throughout the last two years, the world has been dealing with COVID-19. Now, just as we were finally starting to find our way back to normal, Omicron variant hit us in India in recent weeks.
Do we need to get scared? Is it only showing mild symptoms? How to tackle Omicron infection? The answer to all these questions lies in building yourself capable of fighting infections. Good news is that most of us are already vaccinated and there seem to be some amount herd immunity too already been built. As a rule of thumb, we all should keep a track of our immune levels throughout the year with some simple things.
Monitor Your Protein Intake
The role of protein in building immunity actually cannot be stressed enough. In fact, one of the most important sources of protein is milk. Due to the fact that it is rich in the amino acids cysteine and methionine, Whey Protein has a potent antioxidant activity. With a high concentration of these amino acids in the body, it is believed to enhance immune function through intracellular conversion of these amino acids to glutathione (GSH). Make sure you add at least 1 scoop of quality Whey Protein to help meet your daily protein requirement, along with a protein rich diet which includes lean meat, eggs and fishes for non-vegetarians and milk and other dairy products, nuts, pulses and dals etc. for vegetarians.
What’s Your Omega-3 Intake?
Each cell of the immune system plays an important role in preventing infection and protecting the body. This is one reason why the immune system is intricate and complex; all the cells have to be functioning properly to provide protection. DHA and EPA are particularly important for protecting the body’s cells.
According to a recent study, consuming fish oil supplements high in omega-3 fatty acids was found to boost the activity of a white blood cell called a B cell- an essential component of the body’s immune response. Dietary omega-3 fish oil can also affect specific immune functions such as phagocytosis by macrophages and neutrophils, and T-reg differentiation. To ensure adequate immune function, taking omega-3 Fish Oil regularly should be a priority throughout the year.
Are You Sleeping Enough?
Deep night’s sleep is utmost important for body’s functioning and repair. It should come naturally to us if we follow a healthy lifestyle but there days it seems to be a growing issue among young and adults. It has even been proven that sleep deprivation decreases the effectiveness of your NK or natural killer cells, because sleep deprivation reduces their activity and function. If you do not get enough sleep, you will not be able to benefit from even the best treatments. Therefore, a good night’s sleep is an essential part of an effective immune system.
Are Vitamin C And Zinc The Only Two Superheroes Of Immunity?
The Internet is full of websites and advertisements that discuss vitamin C and Zinc and how they can protect you from Omicron or other COVID-19 variants. Truth be told, these two ingredients are not the only ones responsible for protecting you against Omicron. There are several micronutrients such as vitamins A, E, and D, the three fat-soluble vitamins; Vitamin C for optimal immune function, vitamins A & B as well as minerals such as Zinc, Selenium, Iron, Copper etc. along with phytonutrients, amino acids, and fats are essential and play important roles in building immunity.
Furthermore, these compounds play a large role in all other aspects of our immune system, which is why they are referred to as phytonutrients. As an example, vitamin A keeps the structure and functions of mucosal epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, as well as increase mucosal immunity (important for the prevention of respiratory infection). Vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamins C and B, Zinc, and Selenium act as powerful antioxidants and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
As a result, it is convenient to take a scientifically developed Multivitamin instead of in-taking a large number of single vitamins and minerals, because multivitamins are made scientifically by incorporating all the essential nutrients, in right proportions, to provide a complete nutrition profile and holistic well-being.
Do You Exercise Enough?
In today’s world, a significant and rising problem is that the majority of people are either sedentary or over trained. Some people think that they must punish their bodies by pushing them beyond a certain threshold of intensity when they engage in exercise. Exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress, keep a healthy immune system, and maintain a healthy body weight. Yoga and physical activity which suits the individual lifestyle and habits are both effective for reducing stress and building immunity.
As a result, your body’s circulation and blood flow will be more effective to deliver nutrients and oxygen throughout your body, supporting your physical and mental well-being. This also helps to decrease stress levels and boost the immune system. It is recommended that you do this at least 10-30 minutes daily.
It’s time to take a look at simple changes you can make to help keep your immune system in good health. Everything related to human health revolves around the immune system. There are no quick fixes. It is imperative to understand that everything is interconnected and interdependent.
It’s time for you to build that inner strength to ward off any ill effects of Covid-19 virus.
Don’t just live, LIVE WELL.
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