Coronavirus is the deadliest pandemic since the ‘flu after World War I, and at this stage, there is no vaccine or drug to protect us.
There are also worrying signs that the virus mutates faster than any previous flu virus, that it works in different ways to any other virus and that antibodies may not stay permanently in the body after we catch it, so we may be able to catch it later after a vaccination or even if we catch it now.
Coronavirus could be with us permanently. So it’s important we know how to protect ourselves – not just through social distancing and good hygiene, but by diet and exercise. Here is a summary of the latest advice.
Protect Yourself By Being As Fit As Possible
We face viruses all the time, including flu and the common cold. So hundreds of years of observation and research have shown that some lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of catching viruses and reduce the severity of any illness we get.
EAT WELL – eat a well-balanced diet
EATS FRESH FOOD WHENEVER POSSIBLE – now lockdowns are eased, so avoid tinned and processed food whenever you can. Make fresh food yourself to avoid additives, excess sugar, fat and salt. If you do need to have meals ready to cook fast, then make fresh food in bulk and keep some in the fridge or freezer to reheat.
AVOID SNACKING – if you absolutely have to eat something between meals, eat fruit or nuts.
EXERCISE EVERY DAY – an hour’s exercise is vital. It is better to exercise in the fresh air if you can.
AVOID ALCOHOL AND SMOKING – Both reduce the strength of your immune system, and smoking makes you more likely to suffer a respiratory problem like Covid-19
Protect Yourself Through Natural Foods and Supplements
VITAMIN D, MAGNESIUM AND SELENIUM – medical tests have shown that coronavirus patients are more likely to suffer from deficiencies of these, so take daily supplements (but do not exceed maximum daily limits)
EAT BERRIES – the anti-oxidants in berries protect the bodies, and darker berries like cranberries, blueberries, blackberries and blackcurrants are especially good.
Protect Yourself By Looking After Your Mental Health
People with stress and mental health problems are more vulnerable to infections generally, so you need to manage your mind and mood as well as your body.
REGULAR EXERCISE – not only is exercise a break from any daily worries, but it stimulates production of endorphins, the brain chemical that makes us feel happy
EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN – Being stuck in the same place all the time can mean we think less. So exercise your brain by doing puzzles, reading, playing chess, etc
TIDY UP THE HOUSE OR EVEN REDECORATE – Living in a cluttered or untidy house does have affect our mood, as well as meaning more effort is needed to clean the home. So tidy things away. Clear out the clutter by getting rid of things you don’t need any more. And although it can mean some work, why not redecorate the house?
Protect Yourself by Gardening
Gardens have been so precious during lockdowns as a way to get outside safely. But gardening and growing plants is good for the body too, as all that digging and carrying gives us vital exercise. And if you grow fruit and vegetables, you can save money and eat more healthily too.
For the latest information from the British governments, go to:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-overview-and-advice
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