Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
There's no hard and fast guarantee that a diet will keep you from contracting COVID-19, or any other, virus. But it does make sense that a healthy diet will help improve your body's immune system, as well as improve overall health. Two of the factors that can put people at greater risk of serious complications from COVID-19 can be traced directly back to lifestyle. People who are overweight and those with type two diabetes are at much higher risk of having COVID-19 turn into a life-threatening illness. Both of these conditions can be avoided with increased exercise and a healthier diet. Try adding these foods to your daily diet to help boost your immune system and make you feel better. Just like your grandmother's chicken soup, "It might not cure your cold, but what could it hurt?"
Green Leafy Vegetables: You probably didn't realize that Popeye was onto a great idea when he would eat all that spinach. Leafy vegetables; such as spinach, kale and lettuce; are full of nutrients and antioxidants that some believe can help in the healing of respiratory infections and can help protect the body against infectious agents.
Mushrooms: Edible mushrooms, such as shiitake, reishi and turkey tails, contain a substance called beta-glucans, which could help protect your body against harmful bacteria and viruses. They can also help reduce inflammation and the production of phlegm.
Matcha Green Tea: Green tea contains a substance called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to help fight against certain cancers. There have been studies conducted that have linked green tea to several healthy benefits, such as preventing type two diabetes, heart disease and even helping with weight loss. Matcha green tea also contains an amino acid called theanine, which can help reduce stress. Elevated stress levels can weaken the body's immune systems, leaving one more vulnerable to illness. You can give your green tea an extra boost by adding citrus juice.
Citrus foods: Citrus foods, like oranges, lemons, berries, kiwi, broccoli and bell peppers are packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help boost your immunity and lower inflammatory response.
Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that is believed to help boost the immune system, promote healing and reduce anxiety. Foods rich in zinc include: beef, shrimp, eggs, shellfish, cooked greens, pinto beans and chickpeas.
Selenium: Selenium is another mineral that can act as an antioxidant and help protect the body from harmful substances. Fresh garlic, Brazil nuts, yellow fin tuna, pork, beef, mushrooms and oatmeal are all good sources of this nutrient.
Lectin proteins: Some research shows that lectins, which are carbohydrate-binding proteins can help prevent viral transmissions. Lectin proteins can be found in bananas, beans, peanuts, tomatoes, lentils and whole grains.
Ginger: In addition to its anti-nausea abilities, ginger can also help digestion and can boost your immune system to help fight viral and bacterial infections and help lower inflammation.
Bone Broth: Bone broth can be obtained by slowly boiling bones from beef, chicken or lamb. Bone broth is packed with nutrients and an essential amino acid called L-Glutamine. This protein can help reduce inflammation, heal damaged tissue and lower stress. If you don't want to try to make your own bone broth, it can often be found in your grocery store.
Quercetin: This is a nutrient that can be found in leafy green vegetables, oregano, chili peppers, buckwheat, citrus fruits, apples, peppers, red onions and broccoli. Recent research suggests that quercetin can help prevent coronaviruses from entering cells. It could also prevent the formation of a cytokine storm; which is a severe, often fatal inflammatory condition wherein organs are flooded with immune cells in response to an infection. This has been the cause of death in many who have been stricken with COVID-19.
Adding these nutrients to your diet could not only help you prevent several illnesses and infections, but they can also help improve your overall health.