During these worrisome times it’s important to keep your mind and body in it’s best form possible. A strong immune system helps in fighting off infections and illnesses. Unfortunately, as we age our immune systems begin to weaken – which is why the coronavirus is having such a heavy impact on the older generation. 

On a more positive note, there is ways that you can give your immune system a boost:

Immune System Boosters 

Keep On Washing Those Hands

Being aware of the cleanliness of your hands can help in the prevention of spreading disease-causing germs. Washing your hands is the best way to stop germs from spreading. Think about all of the things that you touched today — from the telephone to the toilet. Maybe you blew your nose in a tissue and then went outside to dig around the dirt.

Whatever you did today, you came into contact with germs. It’s easy for a germ on your hand to end up in your mouth. Think about how many foods you eat with your hands.

• when your hands are dirty
• before eating or touching food
• after using the bathroom
• after blowing your nose or coughing
• after touching pets or other animals
• after playing outside

Wash your hands the right way by:

Stay Up-To-Date With the Flu Shot

You are vulnerable – People 65 and older are at higher risk of flu-related complications, but the flu can knock young, healthy people off their feet, too. It does every year.

If people get their flu shots, fewer people come down with the flu and come into clinics with nonspecific symptoms such as fever and cough, which overlap with symptoms of COVID-19.

Having fewer flu patients will make it easier to find the patients with COVID-19.

 Well-Balanced Diet

Nutritional deficiencies can weaken our immune system and make us more vulnerable to infections. First – we need to make sure we’re eating enough; our immune systems need energy – and the right nutrients – to work to their potential.

So what are the top 3 nutrient dense immune boosting foods:

1.Citrus fruits

Most people turn to vitamin C after they’ve caught a cold. That’s because it helps build up your immune system. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells. These are key to fighting infections.

2.Red bell peppers

If you think citrus fruits have the most vitamin C of any fruit or vegetable, think again. Ounce for ounce, red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus. They’re also a rich source of beta carotene. 

3.Broccoli

Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your table.

Minimize Stress 

Stress occurs when life events surpass your abilities to cope. It causes your body to produce greater levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

In short spurts, cortisol can boost your immunity by limiting inflammation. But over time, your body can get used to having too much cortisol in your blood. And this opens the door for more inflammation.

In addition, stress decreases the body’s lymphocytes — the white blood cells that help fight off infection.

Also, these steps can help minimize stress:

Meditate

Reno Valley Assisted Living and Retirement Community

Reno Valley is an assisted living and retirement community that makes living independently, while at the same time feeling safe and secure, a reality. We strive to provide the best quality of life for all residents including those suffering from loneliness and depression.

We offer a comprehensive activity program that includes both physical and social activities to encourage emotional well-being. Our staff is trained to assist those with depression. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, contact Reno Valley today to learn more about our services or tour our community.