Boost Immune System to Avoid COVID-19: Guardian

People wash hands and keep a distance from others with COVID-19 symptoms. Improved eating and other habits can strengthen immune systems, including mucus and microbes that protect against germs, suggests researchers. To strengthen gut microbiomes, one professor of immunology suggests eating “a more varied diet with lots of high-fiber foods” and fermented foods like sauerkraut, yogurt and kimchi,” reports Amy Fleming for the Guardian. A variety of food, including five servings of fruits and vegetables, can supply vitamins and minerals. Some sun is good, but people can protect skin microbiomes by avoiding high exposures of ultraviolet light, excessive washing with strong soaps, and certain combinations of perfumes and moisturizers. Exercise increases blood flow that helps the immune system while reduced alcohol consumption and smoking helps build defenses against infection. Reducing stress can limit cortisol that compromises the immune function, notes the president of British Society for Immunology. Proper sleep is also essential. “Exercising and eating well will have the likely knock-on effect of helping you sleep better, which is a bonus because a tired body is more susceptible to bugs,” Fleming concludes. The elderly, with generally weaker immune systems and gut microbiomes, must take precautions to avoid infections. – YaleGlobal