COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, has been dominating the headlines. It seems as though each day, everything changes. Canned goods, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper are flying off the shelves. Despite how uncontrollable things may seem, there are measures you can take to avoid illness and many of them are the same tips we suggest when facing other illnesses, like the common cold or flu.
Coronavirus is cause for concern and you may not know where to start. Here are our tips to help protect your health.
Wash Your Hands
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times, but it’s worth repeating! Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself against illness. Just washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is your first line of defense.
Be sure to wash your hands after using the restroom, before and after meals, and after you’ve been in a public area. You especially want to after touching frequently used items including door handles, public touch screens, and credit card machines. If you must be out and about, avoid touching your face, as that is a great way to expose yourself to illness.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Did you know that a healthy immune system starts in your gut? A well-rounded diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats can help keep your good gut bacteria happy. Your body’s first line of defense when exposed to germs is this microbiome, so keep it healthy and you will help keep your whole body healthy.
As you evaluate your diet, it’s a great time to cut down on added sugars, as they can throw off the balance between good and bad gut bacteria. You also want to be sure to drink plenty of water and increase your intake of Vitamin D (just spend a few minutes in the sun!) and Vitamin C, either through foods or supplements.
Sleep Well
Who can sleep with so much stress?! Well, missing out on restful sleep at night won’t do your body – or your immune system – any favors. During this time, your body has the opportunity to rest and recuperate, so good sleep is essential to your health and wellness. If you are experiencing issues falling asleep, evaluate your nighttime routine. Is your room cool, dark, and quiet? Try to avoid afternoon coffee or caffeinated beverages and put down your electronics at least an hour before bed. Scrolling through social media and reading the latest breaking news on coronavirus certainly won’t do much to relax your mind. So put down the phone and tune out for the night.
See the Chiropractor
Chiropractic is focused on the function and wellness of the central nervous system (CNS), which is what regulates every function in your body…including your immune system! Regular chiropractic adjustments remove spinal joint dysfunctions that can have a negative impact on how well your CNS communicates with the rest of your body. When your body can communicate freely, every system can work optimally to help you maintain your health.
We are living in a stressful world and although you cannot control coronavirus (or the common cold or flu), you can control what steps you take to support your own health. You may not be able to outsmart a virus, but you can get back to basics to help you stay healthy. For updates on our practice, be sure to check out our Facebook page or click here to contact us.
