Changing Weather, Building Immunity, and Covid-19

 

Fall has arrived, and with it, the health problems of the colder season are creeping in. With Covid-19 still raging around the world, now more than ever is the time to take those extra steps to ensure a healthy immune system! Read on to understand why building immunity over changing weather can possibly help prevent or combat a virus we know barely anything about! 

Since Covid-19 is still under scrutiny, we cannot conclude that it is like the viruses that we already know about. Therefore, it is hard to determine how to prevent it, how to manage it, or even if those are possible! However, we do know that building immunity is a great way to prevent and manage illnesses. We also know that when temperatures drop, people spend a lot more time indoors and in closer proximity to each other. 

Studies from reputable research centres, such as the University of Sydney, have also started to show that the Covid-19 virus may spread more in places with lower humidity. When you breathe in dry air, this could cause your airways - your nose, throat, and lungs - to dry out as well and possibly allow the Covid-19 virus to enter more easily. 

It is imperative during this change in season to keep up the isolation, but also to be mindful of how long we spend indoors in dryer spaces. 

Ways to Enhance Immunity

1. Certain foods are known to help build immunity against cold weather problems in particular.

a. Cabbage can help gain immunity against dryness and acne.

b. Cauliflower has a lot of anti-inflammatory properties and anti-oxidants.

c. Nuts can keep your internal body temperature warm and regulated.

d. Honey can help soothe the throat and cleanse the stomach.

e. Yogurt contains good bacteria that can work against indigestion and infections to the gut.

f. Spinach helps to increase the red blood cell count in the body.

g. If you eat meat, it can help fight infection by developing white blood cells that fight bacteria and viruses. 

2. Taking certain supplementation can be helpful to build immunity.

a. Fish oils can help with their Omega 3 amounts to help protect airways and lungs from illnesses.   

b. Furthermore, the Fall and Winter seasons generally mean less sunshine and exposure to the sun. In turn, this could cause your levels of Vitamin D to fall rapidly. A lack of Vitamin D Makes our bodies more susceptible to catching colds and the flu. Taking a Vitamin D Supplement at this time could prevent these issues - just in case the Covid-19 virus turns out to be a lot more like the flu than we thought! 

3. Other ways to build immunity this fall to try and prevent and combat Covid-19 is through diet, exercise, and rest.

b. Resting adequately helps rejuvenate the system, increasing the body's ability to fight infections and viruses. 

e. This Fall season could also be a good time to try out yoga and meditation, which are excellent ways of keeping your body and mind healthy and happy. But more on that in our next article! 

b. Exercise is important in keeping our bodies functioning optimally. It keeps our hearts, lungs, muscles, and brains strong and healthy. It also improves circulation and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. 

Keep in mind that this is not a simple virus and one should not take it lightly.

Changing weather already causes a horde of problems as we have just explored, but this year it is extra important to go that extra mile to take care of ourselves and our loved ones in healthier ways. Stay safe, stay strong, and strive on!