Coronavirus: “Pandemic” Hype?

You cannot turn on the TV, pick up a newspaper (do people read the newspaper anymore?), or turn on the radio, without hearing something about the coronavirus, more specifically COVID-19. COVID-19 has quickly been spreading across Colorado Springs and the globe and although there are legitimate concerns about certain individuals contracting the virus, most of us will experience mild symptoms if we do. It’s times like these however that people are looking for answers: answers on the severity of the symptoms, how fast the Coronavirus is spreading, what people can do if they contract the virus, but more importantly how can they lower their chances of getting Coronavirus in the first place. We want to focus on the staying healthy aspect because that’s part of beating this fast spreading virus and keeping you OUT of the hospital.

Staying healthy means strengthening that immune system and keeping it in check — it’s easier than you think! What we put into our bodies matters, especially during cold/flu season and a health crisis such as the coronavirus. Your diet and supplement intake can fortify your body’s ability to fend off these organisms. So, what vitamins matter and where can we find them?

 

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C helps strengthen several immunity mechanisms in your body. For example, white blood cells are an important component of your immune system and there are several different types of white blood cells in your body, each of which help to fight off viruses and bacteria. Vitamin C helps to stimulate both the production and function of many of these types of white blood cells. It also strengthens and helps your body produce important antibodies: proteins that bind to invading organisms to neutralize them. Food sources of vitamin C include broccoli, kiwi, oranges, kale, cantaloupe, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, red/green/yellow peppers, strawberries, & tomatoes. Don’t worry too much about the recommended daily allowance right now, it’s a water-soluble vitamin so your body will get rid of what it doesn’t need!

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is crucial for many functions in the body, one of which is your immune system. Vitamin D turns on key peptides (short chains of amino acids) in your immune system that trigger a strong anti-microbial response, allowing you to quickly and effectively fight off invaders before they can develop into a full-blown infection. Winter is the perfect time for vitamin D levels to drop for obvious reasons…less sun exposure! Food sources of vitamin D include salmon, tuna, egg yolks, mushrooms, orange juice, oatmeal, cheese (yes!), & cod liver oil. Thankfully, Mother Nature is kind to Coloradans, and we enjoy over 300 days of sunshine a year!

Zinc:

Zinc is yet another vital mineral for the immune system, unfortunately it’s also one of the most common mineral deficiencies in the human body. Zinc activates enzymes that break down proteins in viruses and bacteria so they are less able to spread which helps explain why taking zinc vitamins at the start of a cold can help reduce its severity. Studies show that zinc also stops the immune system from spiraling out of control, such as when people are fighting a serious infection like sepsis. Food sources of zinc include red meat (fire up the grill!), shellfish, seeds & nuts, whole grains, eggs, dairy, and for the ladies…dark chocolate!

Sugar:

This last one isn’t so much a recommendation as it is a warning, as much as it pains us to say that. Simply put, sugar causes inflammation and curbs the immune system’s ability to attack bacteria and other foreign organisms. We love our desserts but save those for your post COVID-19 party celebrations!

Keeping your immune system boosted AND strong has never been more important. The above-mentioned vitamins & mineral go a long way to keeping you healthy and out of the hospital. Elevation Hydration‘s Immune Tune hydration package is the most effective way to deposit all of these amazing micronutrients directly into the bloodstream and keep those ever-important white blood cells and your entire immune system running like a well-oiled machine.

And one more thing…..WASH. YOUR. HANDS!!