Here in Irvine, CA, people are focused on staying healthy during the spread of the virus. We agree that managing your health during a pandemic is important, but also feel that it should be part of your life at all times. There are facts that are known about this particular virus that should make everyone take notice of their own health. Of course, age is a big factor and you can’t control your chronological age, but you can have an effect on your biological age. What’s the difference? One is how long you’ve been on the earth—chronological—and the other—biological age—is the impact your lifestyle and genetics plays on the damage and death of cells that causes the body to show signs of aging.
Focus on losing weight if you’re overweight.
Obesity plays a big role in your health, including your potential for developing a more severe case of Covid-19. People with heart disease and diabetes also have more potential for increased risk and severity. The risk for these diseases are also increased in obese individuals. If you’ve tried to lose weight before and failed, we can help you. It’s time to start eating healthier and making other lifestyle changes, such as adopting a program of regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, eating healthier and staying hydrated.
A healthy diet can provide nutrients that boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.
Inflammation is beneficial, but unwarranted and excessive inflammation is one of the factors that can age the body faster and effect your potential for illness. Changing your diet can help reduce inflammation. Cutting out sugar should be the first step. Non-fermented milk products, processed meat and fried foods also promote it. Vegetables, nuts, fruits, beans, whole grains, fatty fish, coffee and tea are anti-inflammatory. Foods that benefit gut health, such as high fiber food, also help boost the immune system. Food high in antioxidants, such as blueberries can also improve your resistance to disease.
Stress and inactivity play a role in your health and resistance to disease.
Studies have shown that when obese people participated in a program of regular exercise, they cut the potential of upper respiratory infections in half, compared to the group that didn’t exercise. Stress also causes hormones to trigger that have a negative effect on the body and the immune system. When you workout, you burn off those hormones of stress, particularly cortisol that is linked to visceral fat, the most dangerous type. Exercise also helps you lose weight and lowers the risk caused by obesity.
- Studies show a link between vitamin D deficiency and the potential infection and severity of covid-19. Eat foods high in vitamin D, such as eggs, meat and fatty fish and consider safe sunning or vitamin D supplements.
- Besides traditional advice, such as washing your hands, wearing a mask and social distancing, getting adequate sleep can help you. Sleep helps T-cells fight off infection.
- Herbs and spices not only make your food taste better, some can help boost your immune system. Turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon and orange peel spice up flavor and improve your immune response.
- Add food with vitamin C or zinc to your diet. Citrus fruit, red bell peppers, cantaloupe, broccoli, strawberries and Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin C. Oysters, red meat, poultry, whole grain, crab and lobster are good sources of zinc.
For more information, contact us today at Next Level Fitness