Author, Dr. Mahsin Habid
With many states beginning the process of “reopening,” more people are venturing out trying to resume some level of cautious normalcy. With increased activity, however, can come potential exposure to COVID-19. Beyond recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on protecting yourself from COVID-19, boosting your immune system can improve your overall health and better fight off an infection.
COVID-19 Basics
Over the past few months, COVID-19 has been top-of-mind in every household. We know it’s highly contagious, and in the elderly and people with comorbidities, it can be fatal. This respiratory virus is transmitted through droplets, so protecting yourself from exposure is essential. As per CDC recommendations, social distancing of 6 feet is recommended as well as washing your hands regularly with soap and water and not touching your nose, eyes, or face. If you do feel ill, stay away from public places and have one family member care for you in a well-ventilated room. In the event of a high fever, shortness of breath or feeling very unwell, you should immediately seek medical advice. Avoiding the virus is only part of the battle. Increasing the effectiveness of the immune system through proactive measures will further ensure against viral attacks.
Boosting Your Immune System to Combat COVID-19
People with or without symptoms who are worried about transmitting the infection can be proactive in boosting their immune system. By boosting the immune system, you can potentially prevent infection, minimize transmission, or have a faster recovery from the illness. In order to achieve this, the 3 main systems to optimize are sleep, gut health, and reduced inflammation. Without adequate sleep, there is decreased blood flow in the brain, a greater likelihood of a suppressed immune system, and inflammation. Gut health plays a significant role in the overall immune system. Therefore, diets rich in wholesome foods promote bacterial diversity, which in turn optimizes the metabolism and decreases inflammation. Inflammation can be minimized by optimizing your total antioxidant function and increasing individual antioxidant levels.
Dr. Habib’s 5 Pillars
- Sleep
Get at least 7-9 hours of restful sleep. Eat healthy protein such as fish and refrain from eating 3 hours before bed. - Don’t Eat Processed Foods
Additives, preservatives, and food coloring irritate the nervous system creating anxiety and sleep disturbances as well as alter the beneficial diversity of gut bacteria. - Eat Wholesome Foods
Berries are rich in antioxidants, which are good for the immune system. They also contain polyphenols that promote good bacterial diversity in the gut and beneficial bacteria activate energy pathways like AMPK for a greater metabolism. Leafy greens, rich in nitrates, promote increased nitric oxide leading to increased blood flow. - Proper Supplementation
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function. Vitamin D3 supports natural killer cells that combat viral replication. Omega-3 works synergistically with Vitamin C to reduce inflammation. Probiotics promote bacterial diversity. - Boost the Immune System with Intravenous Infusions
Next Health’s Vitamin IV therapy (also called IV Drips) is the most effective way to replenish fluids, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes in your body. Its superior advantage is that nutrients are made immediately available for the cells that need it most, delivering essential nutrients right at the cellular level for maximum absorption. Our infusions are designed to help you reach peak performance, recover from flu, hydrate, detox and much more! IV Infusions are safe and painless too.
For more information on Dr. Habib’s focus on preventative health and wellness, call or text 703-724-4000 or visit Nexthealthmed.com.
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