Md. Naim Hossain :
As coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted communities around the world, many people have wondered whether there are steps they can take to stay healthy. Everyday preventive measures such as hand washing, avoiding contact with sick individuals, social distancing, exercising and good hygiene is the key to lowering risk of infection.
But maintaining a healthy diet to help boost our immune system may also give us an edge. When a foreign bug gets into your body, like the one that causes COVID-19, your body puts up its defense. That defense is your immune system and the army you have inside your body are your white blood cells. You may not be able to prevent all risks of exposure to bugs like COVID-19 and guidance is provided by the Ministry of Health on how to prevent getting the disease. However, a healthy lifestyle can help build up our immune system to make ourdefense as strong as possible. Studies have found that eating certain foods can improve our health and strengthen our body’s ability to fight againstviruses. The following foods may help to boost the immune system:
Vitamin
A functioning immune system is crucial in the fight against COVID-19.To maintain it, the body needs sufficient vitamins.Dietary supplements containingvitamins C and D are a safe, low-cost, and effective way of helping the immune system fight off COVID-19 and other acute respiratory tract diseases.The roles that vitamins C and D play in immunity are particularly well known. Vitamin C has roles in several aspects of immunity, including the growth and function of immune cells and antibody production. Vitamin D receptors on immune cells also affect their function. This means that vitamin D profoundly influences your response to infections. Vitamin A deficiency can affect the function of different cells of the immune system. In addition, Vitamin A-deficiency reduced natural killer activity, lower production of interferon, less effective fixed fat macrophage activity, and lower lymphocyte response to stimulation by mitogens. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and has an ability to modulate host immune functions. In addition, Vitamin E is an important nutrient for maintaining the immune system, especially in the elderly.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace element that is essential for regulating the immune system. Zinc deficiency often makes one more susceptible to flu, cold and other viral infections. Zinc is crucial for normal development and function of cells mediating innate immunity, neutrophils, and NK cells. It is advisable to take a zinc supplement, especially for older people. High Zinc foods include Beef, Chicken, Nuts, Seeds,Lentis,Eggs,Dairy,WholeGrains, Beans etc.
Lemon Tea
Lemon is used in the treatment for the common colds, flues, H1N1 (swine) flu, sinus inflammation, tinnitus, stomach upset, nausea, kidney stones, etc. During the recent Coronavirus pandemic, doctors are applying vitamin C doses to treat COVID19, as there is no approved vaccine yet. The health specialists are suggesting people consume vitamin C every day to prevent COVID19 and other common kinds of viral infections. As lemons are good sources of Vitamin C, you can drink lemon tea instead of taking supplements.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is loaded with Gingerols, an active compound that can save your mouth from oral bacteria. Ginger may help your immune system to fight against chronic diseases including lung disease, high blood pressure, heart problems, etc. Ginger can help the immune system of your body in breaking down the stored toxins inside different organs. Ginger is naturally enriched with antioxidant properties that prevent damage to the DNA structure of your body cells. To toughen your immune system against COVID19, you can add ginger tea into your diet plan.
Iron
Iron de?ciency is highly prevalent worldwide, and its association with infectious diseases is well-recognized. Iron appears as an essential component in cell di?erentiation, growth, and functioning (e.g., DNA synthesis through ribonucleotide reductase). Iron helps to ?ght o? infections by enabling T-lymphocyte immune cell proliferation and maturation as well as regulating cytokines production and action against bacteria, for example, by neutrophil action.Iron containing foods are: Red meat, Egg yolks,Dark and leafy greens, Dried fruit ,Sea fish and local small fishes, Local chicken ,Cow liver ,Green Banana (Kacha Kola).
Turmeric and Garlic
The bright yellow spice, Turmeric, contains a compound called curcumin, which boosts the immune function. Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties which enhances body immunity.
Apart from maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking supplements, there are few organic and natural ways to practise as preventive measures to fight COVID-19. The following self-care guidelines serve as preventive measures and to boost immunity with special reference to respiratory health.
Drink warm water throughout the day.
Practice Meditation, Yogasana, and Pranayama.
Increase the intake of Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander and garlic.
Drink herbal tea or decoction of Holy basil, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Dry Ginger and Raisin.
Avoid sugar and replace it with jaggery if needed.
Apply Ghee (clarified butter), Sesame oil, or Coconut oil in both the nostrils to keep the nostrils clean.
Inhale steam with Mint leaves and Caraway seeds.
While the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic is fought by our health care workers, we can do our bit by limiting our exposure to the virus by staying indoors, social distancing, eating healthy, hydrating and following basic hygiene protocol.
As coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted communities around the world, many people have wondered whether there are steps they can take to stay healthy. Everyday preventive measures such as hand washing, avoiding contact with sick individuals, social distancing, exercising and good hygiene is the key to lowering risk of infection.
But maintaining a healthy diet to help boost our immune system may also give us an edge. When a foreign bug gets into your body, like the one that causes COVID-19, your body puts up its defense. That defense is your immune system and the army you have inside your body are your white blood cells. You may not be able to prevent all risks of exposure to bugs like COVID-19 and guidance is provided by the Ministry of Health on how to prevent getting the disease. However, a healthy lifestyle can help build up our immune system to make ourdefense as strong as possible. Studies have found that eating certain foods can improve our health and strengthen our body’s ability to fight againstviruses. The following foods may help to boost the immune system:
Vitamin
A functioning immune system is crucial in the fight against COVID-19.To maintain it, the body needs sufficient vitamins.Dietary supplements containingvitamins C and D are a safe, low-cost, and effective way of helping the immune system fight off COVID-19 and other acute respiratory tract diseases.The roles that vitamins C and D play in immunity are particularly well known. Vitamin C has roles in several aspects of immunity, including the growth and function of immune cells and antibody production. Vitamin D receptors on immune cells also affect their function. This means that vitamin D profoundly influences your response to infections. Vitamin A deficiency can affect the function of different cells of the immune system. In addition, Vitamin A-deficiency reduced natural killer activity, lower production of interferon, less effective fixed fat macrophage activity, and lower lymphocyte response to stimulation by mitogens. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and has an ability to modulate host immune functions. In addition, Vitamin E is an important nutrient for maintaining the immune system, especially in the elderly.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace element that is essential for regulating the immune system. Zinc deficiency often makes one more susceptible to flu, cold and other viral infections. Zinc is crucial for normal development and function of cells mediating innate immunity, neutrophils, and NK cells. It is advisable to take a zinc supplement, especially for older people. High Zinc foods include Beef, Chicken, Nuts, Seeds,Lentis,Eggs,Dairy,WholeGrains, Beans etc.
Lemon Tea
Lemon is used in the treatment for the common colds, flues, H1N1 (swine) flu, sinus inflammation, tinnitus, stomach upset, nausea, kidney stones, etc. During the recent Coronavirus pandemic, doctors are applying vitamin C doses to treat COVID19, as there is no approved vaccine yet. The health specialists are suggesting people consume vitamin C every day to prevent COVID19 and other common kinds of viral infections. As lemons are good sources of Vitamin C, you can drink lemon tea instead of taking supplements.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is loaded with Gingerols, an active compound that can save your mouth from oral bacteria. Ginger may help your immune system to fight against chronic diseases including lung disease, high blood pressure, heart problems, etc. Ginger can help the immune system of your body in breaking down the stored toxins inside different organs. Ginger is naturally enriched with antioxidant properties that prevent damage to the DNA structure of your body cells. To toughen your immune system against COVID19, you can add ginger tea into your diet plan.
Iron
Iron de?ciency is highly prevalent worldwide, and its association with infectious diseases is well-recognized. Iron appears as an essential component in cell di?erentiation, growth, and functioning (e.g., DNA synthesis through ribonucleotide reductase). Iron helps to ?ght o? infections by enabling T-lymphocyte immune cell proliferation and maturation as well as regulating cytokines production and action against bacteria, for example, by neutrophil action.Iron containing foods are: Red meat, Egg yolks,Dark and leafy greens, Dried fruit ,Sea fish and local small fishes, Local chicken ,Cow liver ,Green Banana (Kacha Kola).
Turmeric and Garlic
The bright yellow spice, Turmeric, contains a compound called curcumin, which boosts the immune function. Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties which enhances body immunity.
Apart from maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking supplements, there are few organic and natural ways to practise as preventive measures to fight COVID-19. The following self-care guidelines serve as preventive measures and to boost immunity with special reference to respiratory health.
Drink warm water throughout the day.
Practice Meditation, Yogasana, and Pranayama.
Increase the intake of Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander and garlic.
Drink herbal tea or decoction of Holy basil, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Dry Ginger and Raisin.
Avoid sugar and replace it with jaggery if needed.
Apply Ghee (clarified butter), Sesame oil, or Coconut oil in both the nostrils to keep the nostrils clean.
Inhale steam with Mint leaves and Caraway seeds.
While the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic is fought by our health care workers, we can do our bit by limiting our exposure to the virus by staying indoors, social distancing, eating healthy, hydrating and following basic hygiene protocol.
(Md. Naim Hossain is a student at Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University.
E-mail: [email protected])
