Our immune system means to us just as much as Achille’s shield meant for Achilles when he fought to conquer Troja. And we can consider the novel coronavirus to be a trojan horse. If we don’t want to be overcome by it, then we’d better take care of our shield and address it adequately. Here are ten ways we should stay away from if we want to maintain a robust immune system, according to dietary specialist Ayşe Sena Binöz from Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital.
Dietary mistakes that lower the immune system
Don’t miss breakfast
Although voices saying that breakfast isn’t the most important meal of the day anymore, there is too little research to endorse the opinion. It might prove to be so, in time. But is it now a good time to try and see whether it is so? Breakfast has been a habit in our species for centuries now. We’ve adapted to it, and such a significant change needs time to prove itself worthwhile. If it is so is because voices raise against it. Binoz is one of them. She says that skipping this meal might prove to be a weakening fissure in the immune shield. We need the eggs, the greens, the freshly squeezed juices, the yogurt & cereals, and all their vitamins and minerals they can give.
Don’t neglect snacks
This might not be the best time for a diet. Not if you want your shield to protect you. This doesn’t mean it can become the reason to throw yourself and eat all you all can. It’s a habit just as damaging for the immune system as dieting. Snacks are essential for maintaining your blood sugar levels. Nuts, fruits, cheese, multigrain bread, in reasonable quantities, are just what the body needs to keep the shield strength.
Don’t be monotone
Try not to eat the same 4-5 things. The immune system needs high-quality protein, iron and zinc, fiber and vitamin B, antioxidants, omega-3, and omega-6. This means you need to alternate the types of meat and whole-grain products. You must eat vegetables and fruits daily and enjoy their endless variety.
Don’t forget hydration
They all say it, and none of them is going to change their minds: drink your liquids. There is nothing in your body that doesn’t need water, so that we won’t count the benefits. Make sure you drink the 30 milliliters of water per kilogram of our weight daily. You can maintain hydration with the help of lemon water, lemonade, freshly squeezed juices, and herbal tea.
Don’t exaggerate with the pickles
As tasty as they can be, pickles have the reverse side of the medal when we overdo it. And if you think it can damage the coronavirus, don’t. They won’t. The salt in them, however, can damage your stomach, immune system, and affect your health if you suffer from hypertension and heart disease.
Don’t exaggerate with the pastries and desserts
You already know this from all over. They aren’t right for your health, waist, or immune system. They aren’t. They are as poisonous as they are tasty. And now really isn’t the time to put poison in your body. Your immune system doesn’t have time for dealing with it. Taste it, have small portions if you just can’t help it, but don’t indulge yourself in this habit.
Keep the protein balance
To fight a viral infection, the immune system needs protein. To repair damaged tissue, the immune system needs protein. But don’t overdo it. Too much protein can damage the kidneys since they are the ones taking in the excess, just like with everything else, practice moderation.
Keep the vitamin C balance
When you say infection, you automatically mean vitamin C deficiency. To fight infection, the immune system’s ace is vitamin C, which can’t be stored in the body and boost the immune system. This means you regularly need to take care of the vitamin C intake. Don’t’ worry, there are plenty of foods that are rich sources of vitamin C. Most of the fruits and veggies contain it, but the best sources are citrus fruits, greens, peppers, kiwi, and tomatoes.
Preserve the healthy food properties
Overcooking and sometimes even cooking can make healthy food empty of all vitamins and minerals. Vegetables and fruits suffer the most from cooking processes. Sometimes also using a metal knife can harm the nutritional value. Make sure you know all about the cooking processes the food you eat goes through.
Make your food become a healthy source
Just as there are foods that need to stay away from the stove, there are foods that must go through a thermal process to become healthy. Meats and eggs are the most dangerous food to be undercooked. Bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella aren’t a problem your system needs right now. Or ever, for that matter. Healthy foods will always benefit the body, including the immune system.