With articles constantly coming out about the unknowns of coronavirus. It can seem that we are helpless and powerless against fighting it. However, we all have the ability to boost our immune system to maintain good health.
Our immune system is designed to keep us healthy under all circumstances. There are a variety of steps you can take to enhance your immune system to minimize the risk of getting COVID-19 or to avoid serious complications. Simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can establish a strong immune system with several other health benefits.
Take Care of Your Body
To boost your immune system, it is critical to understand your body. Good digestion and nutrition are the basis of strong health. The intestines greatly impact our short- and long-term health. These organs are a strong defense against potential illnesses and viruses.
The intestines absorb the body’s nutrients and eliminate unwanted toxins. If the intestines are unable to eliminate toxins and harmful microbes, they may be able to move into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. In oriental medicine, healthy lungs are connected to healthy digestion and elimination.
That is why a healthy diet is so important during this time. Adjusting your diet allows you to directly assist the intestines in being as efficient as possible, with hopes to fight off the coronavirus or other viruses.
Start a Healthy Diet
To protect yourself against the COVID-19, we recommend practicing a macrobiotic diet. Replace animal, dairy, and processed foods with plant-based foods. Plant-based foods are high in natural fibers and nutrients, which improve the quality of your digestive and immune systems.
When transitioning to a macrobiotic diet, we suggest the following foods.
Healthy Carbohydrates. Healthy carbohydrates go through the entire digestive process which allows all nutrients and minerals to be absorbed in the intestines. Strong intestines lead to healthy lungs, strong immune system, and clear thinking. Eat a variety of grains, beans, starchy vegetables, and sea vegetables, such as seaweed, to enhance the immune system.
Whole Grains. When eating a macrobiotic diet, whole grains are incorporated into every meal. A few of SHI’s favorites are brown rice, oatmeal, and polenta.
Naturally Pickled and Fermented Foods. Unlike processed and frozen foods, naturally pickled and fermented foods nourish your body with good, natural bacteria. Some examples include apple cider vinegar, sauerkraut, and miso soup.
Other recommendations Include
- Have at least one vegetable dish with every meal including breakfast.
- Include a variety of cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, arugula, kale, daikon, etc.).
- Try to keep grains and vegetables relatively equal by volume on your plate.
- Have a wide variety of blanched vegetables and steamed greens often or daily.
- Have a variety of other healthful foods including beans, tofu, tempeh, seeds, nuts and fruits.
- Use seaweed in cooking (kombu and wakame) and as side dishes (arame or hiziki).
- Use dried shiitake and dried maitake in soups and other dishes.
Don’t know how to start? SHI advocates that people attend a macrobiotics course or webinar.
SHI Macrobiotics emphasizes adding a variety of healthy foods to your diet. Adding has better results than eliminating.
Live a Wholesome Life
People often focus on diet. But a healthy lifestyle is just as important as a diet. Integrating lifestyle practices into your daily routine will heighten your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
According to Harvard Medical School, 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day can boost your immune system. Not only does it allow one to attain the weight and shape they may desire, but it proves to exhibit long-standing benefits. A few notable advantages of being active include reducing the risks for heart attacks, strokes, obesity, depression, and cancer.
We suggest yoga, meditation, daily walks and breathing exercises. These allow true connections between the mind, body, and soul. Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as living in the moment and enjoying the times you are outside is better for your immune system. Rather than consistently stressing about the pandemic, appreciating the little things, such as the flowers and trees on a walk, have a greater impact on your wellness.
In addition to physical activity, you can implement different eating techniques to assist you digestive health. Eat slowly and chew food well. This makes it easier to digest and process through your intestines, which will improve your immune system. One should also sit while eating to digest food properly. In addition to sitting down, also practice eating meals with no distractions. Don’t be on social media, doing work or watching tv.
Start Boosting Your Immune System Today
At SHI, we are committed to helping you stay safe amidst these hard times. With a macrobiotic diet, you can enhance the effectiveness of your immune system and internal organs to best fight off viruses. Stay tuned for our upcoming health webinars. In the meantime, learn more about macrobiotics and coronavirus by watching our previous webinars.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you remain healthy and minimize your risk of getting COVID-19.
Want to learn more about health and macrobiotics? Take one of our online macrobiotic courses.
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