Increasing your immunity

Today we’re going to talk about “How to increase your immunity”. At this time of the year we normally have an epidemic of Influenza A and B, and other respiratory diseases, and this year, the new coronavirus, the COVID-19, which has been forcing us into isolation and quarantine in many cases.

While the medical treatment is about to be confirmed by the medical community, let’s stay home as much as we can! The biggest challenge of this time is the ISOLATION, the confinement. Long periods of confinement can take the human being to a state of anxiety and depression... this alone, can deeply affect your immune system. And if your immune system is already low, that can be a bigger threat for your health.

The majority of people affected by the COVID-19 have other risk factors such as diabetes, heart conditions and other issues...and recent studies from Italy, showed a common deficiency in Vitamin D! If you have any previous conditions, talk to your Doctor!

In any cases, there are somethings you can do to help increasing your immune system:

1. Look after your mental health

• Your thoughts can change your physiology!

• Your thoughts affect your mood and your energy – and your body reacts accordingly, releasing hormones that can bring you a pleasant feeling like the endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin or cortisol when you are stressed.

• Some ideas that can help release those hormones, to make you feel happier, easing stress, anxiety and depression, and consequently, increasing your immune system: 1. Have a balanced diet and go for walks. 2. Laugh out loud. 3. Have intimate contact (if you are confined with your loved ones). 4. To be thankful. 5. Make plans! I usually recommend you write a journal...write your plans, have a project that challenges you...and write down 3 things you are grateful for! Write 3 things you are thankful for to the people living around you – look at them with your brighter lens.

2. Increase your intake of vitamin D and Zinc, they will help you boost your immune system

• Vitamin D is very important to strengthen your bones, prevent cancer, inflammation, infections, diabetes and high blood pressure...and decrease the insulin resistance, caused by the excess of sugar in your blood.

• Zinc is an antioxidant that helps your immune system and metabolism function. Zinc is also important to wound healing and your sense of taste and smell, as a suggestion, increase your intake of Omega 3 like salmon, seafood, eggs, yogurt... AND go for a walk on a sunny day that will help increase your levels of vitamin D.

• And...Quit sugar will be the best thing you can do for yourself, healing your body...increasing your energy levels, and improving your health.

If you have questions and want to chat with me, Contact me and I'll be happy to answer!

#boostyourimmunesystem #positivethoughts #gratitude #monicasweeneycoaching