01/08/2021
As we head into flu season with COVID-19 cases on the rise, we are all concerned with ways to stay healthy. Staying home, maintaining social distance, regular handwashing, and wearing masks are the best ways to protect ourselves until most of the population is vaccinated. However, there are a few things we can do to help build immunity though diet and lifestyle:
🍏Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. Good sources of vitamin C includes peppers, berries, broccoli, citrus fruits, and spinach.
🍗Choose lean cuts of meat, low-fat dairy products like Greek yogurt or string cheese, or dried beans and lentils for protein.
🍞Include whole grains such as oatmeal, whole-wheat pasta, bran cereal, or quinoa for adequate zinc and fiber.
🍅Add berries to iron-fortified cereals to boost iron absorption or include peppers and tomatoes in bean dishes.
💦Drink plenty of water - aim for at least 6 to 8 cups of water daily.
🥛Get enough vitamin D through dairy products, fatty fish, or dietary supplementation (if needed) if you can't get enough safely from the sun.
😴Get enough sleep.
🏃♂️Exercise regularly.
🤯Manage your stress levels.
A healthy lifestyle can't “cure” or even 100% prevent you from catching a virus like the coronavirus or the flu, but it can help strengthen immunity and reduce the risk of serious complications if you do get sick.
