Boss Ladies Boost Your Immune System During This Pandemic by Priscilla Q. Williams

Boss ladies if you have not noticed we are in the middle of a global pandemic. I know it can be scary seeing the number of people dying from this deadly disease. However, there are many more people surviving and avoiding the virus. You can decrease your risk as well from contracting the deadly coronavirus. As a registered nurse for the last fifteen years, I want to share with you five simple ways you can lower your chance of catching the “Rona”. 

Eat Clean

Clean eating is all about being mindful of the origin of your food and ensuring that it is as close to its natural state as possible. It is about consuming tons of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, fish, seafood, and clean meats. When we fuel our body with whole, unprocessed foods we provide it with the nutrients it needs to function at its best. In turn, we look and feel better. We sleep better, our skin is better, and we have more energy. Start your clean eating with the foods you like and then introduce new food as you go. Make sure to eat foods high in vitamin c, which may decrease or reduce the chances of a common cold.

 

Take Vitamins and Minerals 

Taking the right supplements can decrease your chances of getting sick. Here are three common vitamins that will help you boost your immune system

• Vitamin C is one of the biggest immune system boosters of all. In fact, a lack of vitamin C can even make you more prone to getting sick.

• Vitamin B6 is vital to supporting biochemical reactions in the immune system.

• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight off infection.

Get Enough Sleep 

Sleep is one of the main components to help you rest your body and rid your body of disease. It is recommended to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Inadequate sleep increases your chances of colds, the flu, and of course the coronavirus. During sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you are under stress.

Decrease Stress

I know this is easier said than done right now during a pandemic, but we must manage our stress levels. Our immune system is comprised of billions of white blood cells (lymphocytes and phagocytes) that fight off bacteria, viruses. However, when the body is under stress it creates a hormone in your body called cortisol. Cortisol can suppress your immune system’s effectiveness in fighting off invaders by lowering the number of lymphocytes present in the blood.

Get Active

Since the pandemic, many people have stopped going to the gym and eating more quarantine snacks than planned. Physical activity can give your immune system a great boost and help you get rid of that extra weight you may have packed on. Regular exercise increases your body’s production of antibodies and T-cells, causing them to circulate more rapidly. Plus, it helps expel toxins from your body, which can energize your cells and metabolism. Even sweating is good for immune health. When you sweat, your body reacts much like it does when you have a fever. By raising your body temperature, you are helping your body kill pathogens.

Overall, let's work hard to boost our immune system so we can continue to be the Boss we are called to be. Do not let this pandemic control your life and kill you even though you are still living. Be intentional about your health and decide that you will survive and get through this difficult time.

Learn more about Priscilla Q. Williams at Instagram: thenursescoach/ Twitter: thenursescoach_