Cold and flu season is approaching and most likely a surge in COVID-19 cases. Here are 3 simple things you can do to boost your natural immunity and protect yourself. Optimize your vitamin D Vitamin D supports immune function in numerous ways and protects against respiratory tract infections. Our natural sources of Vitamin D can come from our food (mushrooms, oily fish and fortified foods) and exposure to sunlight. However, at certain times in the year we may need a boost to maintain adequate levels in the form of a vitamin D supplement. For most people, this boost can be achieved with a dose of between 2,000 and 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day. If you are concerned about Vitamin D levels you can get these tested to confirm that you are in the target range. Eat a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet
When it comes to supporting immunity, the basics are most important. We can take all of the vitamins we want, but if we’re eating poorly, no amount of supplementation will make up for that. Unfortunately, for many people, the stress of the pandemic and lockdowns led to an increase in the consumption of processed and refined foods and subsequent weight gain. We have the opportunity to optimise our health by eating a wide variety of health promoting foods. Eating foods the colours of the rainbow - purples, reds, blues, yellows, oranges and greens - will be rich in photochemically that can protect us against inflammation and cellular damage, and improve our cellular function. Exercise regularly
Exercise is one of the most important interventions for supporting immunity. For example, back in April of this year, a study of nearly 50,000 participants found that regular exercise protects against severe COVID-19 infection. Researchers found that those who had exercised the most were least likely to be hospitalized or die from Covid-19. Individuals in the least active group were 2.5-fold more likely to die than those in the most active group and 30% more likely to die than those in the moderately active group. Each of these interventions is safe, effective, affordable, accessible, and also has beneficial side effects—doing these things will not only boost your immune system, but it will also improve your overall health.
If you need some help optimising your metabolic health, mim-wellness.com can offer personalised nutrition and health coaching.
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