With all the alarming news about the Coronavirus, I have finally decided to zoom in a bit and research the topic. Finding mixed info here and there, where some are talking about an apocalyptic scenario and others are saying it’s merely an exaggeration of the whole thing. I have concluded to focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t control, and I am going to focus on improving my immune system, and you should too—bellow what I found while doing my research.
COLD SHOWERS
More robust immune response.
Studies have found that a cold shower can increase white blood cells in the body. Blood cells protect our body against diseases. Scientists believe that this process is related to an increased metabolic rate, which stimulates the immune response.
Source:
. https://hbr.org/2018/03/cold-showers-lead-to-fewer-sick-days
. https://www.wimhofmethod.com/science
BREATHWORK
Breathing and the autoimmune response
Controlled breathing has a positive impact on the body by lowering cortisol levels, improving autonomic response to physical and mental stress. It is also improving arterial blood flow.
Source:
. https://www.thebreatheffect.com/immune-system-breathing-techniques/
Technique:
. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU6Oi80n5J4&t=11s
Other Techniques:
. https://goqii.com/blog/5-breathing-exercises-for-boosting-immunity/
CLEAN EATING
How much of your immune system is in your gut?
A healthy interaction between our microbiota and our is crucial for the maintenance of our body’s health and homeostasis. Gut microbiota imbalances may dysregulate immune responses and lead to the development of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune dysfunctions.
Source:
. https://neurohacker.com/how-the-gut-microbiota-influences-our-immune-system
Tips:
. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/improve-gut-bacteria#section11
MODERATE EXERCISE
Exercise and immunity – How Exercise May Affect Your Immunity
Moderate activity is all you need. Exercise improves your overall fitness, which can help boost your immune system — the body’s defense against infections. Some studies show that “moderate-intensity” exercise may cut down the number of colds you get.
Sources:
. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/well/move/exercise-immunity-infection-coronavirus.html
. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/exercise-when-you-have-cold#1
. https://hbr.org/2014/10/regular-exercise-is-part-of-your-job
STRESS REDUCTION
Stress and Immune Function
When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to infections. The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes).
Source:
. https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-immune.html
How to:
. https://www.headspace.com/meditation/stress
. https://hbr.org/2015/09/make-yourself-immune-to-secondhand-stress
