Okay so let’s be real, there is so much going on in the world right now.
Covid-19 has completely changed the way we see health. This virus has taken a toll on everyone. Whether that be mentally or physically, we have all felt the impact coronavirus has had on the world. The best thing you could possibly do for yourself right now is take care of your body, it deserves it!
Your first line of defense against any virus is your immune system.
Your immune system protects your body from outside invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins. It is made up of different organs, cells, and proteins that work together to protect you. I have not always had the best immune system. In college, I found myself getting sick all the time and never realized why. I soon realized I was not taking care of my body how I should have been! Now that I am a flight attendant, I spend most of my time in the air on a plane and I come into contact with all kinds of germs.
The first thing they told us in training is that we would HAVE to start taking care of our bodies if we wanted to have a long lasting career.
While bolstering your immune system is easier said than done; here are a couple things I did to boost my immune system when I started flying!
*Disclaimer: I am not a licensed medical professional or nutritionist this is just what has worked for my body
1. I started eating more whole plant foods.
Whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that may increase your chances of fighting off harmful pathogens. Fruits and vegetables are also rich in Vitamin C.
Have you ever felt yourself getting sick and had someone tell you to take a megadose of Vitamin C? That's because Vitamin C is ESSENTIAL for the proper functioning of your immune cells. Instead of waiting until you are sick to take a mega dose, fill your body up with rich fruits and vegetables so that your body already can begin to build up a defense against harmful pathogens. Whole plant foods contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin c, all of which will aid your body in fighting off illness.
I started packing my lunches when I started my job as a flight attendant. This was the only way for me personally to really discipline myself to eat the foods I knew my body needed. If you aren't open to the idea of completely changing your diet, start small! Incorporate different fruits or vegetables into your daily meals.
2. I added probiotics into my diet.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have amazing health benefits when they are consumed or applied to the body. They have been known to improve and restore the gut area and help provide friendly and non harmful bacteria to your body.
Gut health and your immune system are deeply connected so adding these to your diet may help in fact boost your immune system.
Once I started flying my mom suggested that I start taking a probiotic supplement. She also let me know why they were good for women to take in general. I also started drinking Kombucha daily which is a fermented drink that contains live bacteria cultures. Fermented foods and probiotics have been said to have the ability to help the immune system by helping it identify and target harmful pathogens. To learn more about gut health and how yours could be affecting you check out our blog "Kombucha and Digestion".
3. I started drinking WAY more water.
Staying hydrated is essential sis! I’m not saying drinking a gallon of water a day will help you conquer sickness but I am saying that just being hydrated prevents your body from being dehydrated thus helping with your overall health.
Being dehydrated can make you more susceptible to getting sick and having headaches. Time and time again when we get sick we are told to make sure we are ingesting a good amount of fluids, these help get our body back on track and increase the water in our bodies. I found that I was waiting until I was sick to start consuming lots of water and fluids. While fluids were vital in helping me get over my colds faster, I started wondering why I would only want to hydrate when my body desperately needed it. I started drinking almost a gallon a day and noticed benefits with my skin and just overall health!
4. I started exercising regularly.
Exercise has a profound effect on the normal functioning of the immune system. In a study done by the National Institute of Health, it was found that regular moderate exercise may reduce inflammation and help your immune cells regenerate regularly (Exercise and the Regulation of Immune Functions 2015). Sweating is just overall great for your 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! If you are not very active, start slowly by taking a walk around your neighborhood or going on a bike ride. Something is always better than nothing!
You only get one body sis, take care of it because it's the only place you have to live! Stay healthy and safe queens.
Find your worth and stand on it.
Xoxo
Myanna K
Exercise and the Regulation of Immune Functions