How to protect yourself from coronavirus

Immunologists from a Medical European universities have developed recommendations for strengthening our immune system in the face of the epidemic of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Learn 5 effective ways to enhance immunity.

How does the immune system of a healthy person

Scientists emphasize that a healthy immune system can effectively defend against viruses, so the vast majority of infections ends with the development of an effective immune response and elimination of pathogens from our body.

How does our immune system? The immune response begins to develop only after contact with fragments (called antigens) of the virus. Before the viruses enter the human body, the number of immune system cells (lymphocytes) in the bloodstream is insufficient, and these lymphocytes may not be ready to defend.

Only after the initial recognition of the virus in lymphocytes triggers the process, called affinity maturation, which will lead to the formation of cells capable of recognizing the antigens of a particular virus is much more accurate (or rather millions of times better). As a result of multiplying their number in the blood flow will increase, and these cells will acquire the relevant properties, due to which they can effectively resist the virus and destroy infected cells.

Is there any effective cure for coronavirus

Scientists around the world warn us of the danger of being cheated because there is no medicine that could strengthen human immunity and protect against infection. All vitamins, mixtures of minerals and vitamins, natural plant and animal extracts, in particular homeopathic medicines, which are presented as “immune enhancers”, are irrelevant for the development of anti-infectious immunity. Still not been proven that they support the immune system, to advertise them like drugs, strengthen the immune system.

Surgical masks also do not protect against viral infection. They can somewhat reduce the spread of viruses already infected people, but only if these people being in public places, regularly change the masks for a new one.

Vaccines are the only safe and effective method of preventing infectious diseases. However, currently there is no vaccine against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, and drugs that inhibit the reproduction of the virus also exist.

How to protect yourself from coronavirus 5 proven ways

We just have to take care of our immunity and health, and avoid large communities of people and patients.

There are 5 proven ways to improve our immune system

1. Take care of your sleep — a tired body is more susceptible to the disease, so it’s best to get enough sleep. The average adult requires 7-8 hours of sleep a day, the child will need a few more hours. When you are deep asleep, the number of lymphocytes in your body increases. You should know that You need to relax in complete silence and darkness, because only then the pineal gland secretes melatonin, which provides, among other things, the normal circadian rhythm and immune function.

2. Avoid stressful situations — especially chronic stress weakens the resistance of our body, because the protective system is closely connected with the nervous system. Nervousness interferes with their health. To avoid this, you need every day to spend some time to relax and calm. Although meeting friends and leaving the house open the potential for viruses and bacteria, they are also a great exercise for the immune system. During the meetings the body develops new options, becoming even stronger.

Laughter also has great force. Loud, heartfelt, involving the whole body increases the number of antibodies. In addition, laughter helps reduce stress which weakens the immune system.

3. Avoid stimulants — excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption, Smoking and drug-destroying compounds accumulated vitamin and minerals that support our forces and strengthen the body.

4. Eat healthy foods — in the diet that strengthens the immunity should include vegetables and fruits rich in so-called antioxidants (antioxidants) that combat free radicals and strengthen our immune system. This is mainly vitamins a, C and E contained, among other things, carrots, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers (especially red), citrus and black currants, red currants and strawberries (also frozen).

Especially recommended are pickles that contain natural probiotics thus we will strengthen not only our gut but also the immune system. In the gut contains most of the lymphocytes, which protect our body from various pathogens. Pickled cucumbers, sauerkraut, beetroot, home-made kvass or even naturally fermented Apple cider vinegar provide the body with millions of probiotic bacteria, restoring the balance of bacterial flora in the intestine. At the same time they inhibit the growth of pathogens and stimulate the immune system.

Immune diet also should not be deprived of natural yogurt with live bacterial cultures that stimulate increased activity of leukocytes. Honey can also be useful (its antibacterial activity has been proven, in particular, in the case of diseases of the upper respiratory tract), shiitake mushrooms (studies show that they stimulate immune cells), as well as various soups that warm the body from the inside, and this is one of the factors that increase resistance to colds in cold weather. You can add lots of vegetables and spices, including antibacterial properties.

Improper nutrition (i.e. malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, and morbid obesity) has a negative effect on our immune system.

5. Take care of physical activity — physical activity also enhances immunity. Doctors recommend to devote 30 minutes of movement at least 3 times a week to the heart rate reached 130 beats per minute. Try to work outdoors, do some Jogging or just walking.

However, if your load is too high, and muscle developing a lot of lactic acid, which causes pain the next day, your immune system is not only not strengthened, but weakened even. This is due to the fact that in addition to lactic acid intense exercise also produces cortisol, a stress hormone, which has a devastating impact on the human immune system. Remember, stress is the biggest enemy of the immune system!