Your Immune System & Corona Virus

Coronavirus is a disease that attacks your respiratory system. Your immune system is a complex network of cells that protects and defends your body from infections and viruses. Your immune system records the germs that have entered your body before and been defeated, this is so it can recognize the harmful germs quicker and become more efficient in destroying it; this is how immunity is possible. The stronger your immune system is the better chance your body has of beating COVID-19. 

There are many ways to boost your immune system such as home remedies, supplements and overall living a healthy lifestyle. Garlic and lemon is a popular vegan home remedy. This works because garlic contains allian which has a direct antiviral effect and lemon is high in vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that enhances the immune system, has antiviral and antibacterial properties, helps prevent the growth of infections but most importantly improves the taste of the garlic. In addition, there are different concoction of this where ingredients are switched out or replaced with honey, ginger, herbs or turmeric with warm water. They contain between them: antibacterial properties, antiviral properties and can increase the body capacity of immunomodulating (immune function).  You can also boost your immune system by having chicken soup, yogurt and sunbathing (increase in Vitamin D). 

There is a correlation between mental health and your immune system When stressed your immune system weakens. This is because the ability to fight off antigens is reduced as hormones produced with stress lower the number of lymphocytes (immune cells). It is important to practice mindfulness and wellbeing in this time, not only to help your immune system but to look after your mental health.

In conclusion, I think that coronavirus has taught me to be more appreciative of the food especially due to food poverty and panic buying being heightened due to COVID. Food security should not be taken for granted. Furthermore, the importance of caring for and protecting your mental health can not be stressed enough. Your Mental Health is like a tree if you tend to it lovingly, by watering it with constant positivity instead of watering it with negativity you will be rewarded with apples of high self-esteem, greater self-acceptance and increased happiness. This is what COVID has helped me to realize.