Stay healthy with immune system boost

PEOPLE with stronger immune systems get a milder form of coronavirus.

So you can do lots of things to improve your immune system, both to reduce the risk of catching the virus and to lessen its severity if you do get infected.

Here are some tips to build up your immune system, which is even more important if you are older or have a medical condition such as diabetes.

● Exercise: This is the most important way to boost your immune system.

Keeping active boosts your “natural killer cells”, which are released into the blood stream after exercise.

They scavenge any coronavirus that may have strayed into the body and kills it before it takes hold. The best activity is a fast 20-minute walk twice a day.

● Sleep: Infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced if you don’t get enough sleep. So make sure you get some early nights and think of it as a treatment.

● Diet: A good diet is essential for a strong immune system. It should include beans and vegetables (particularly cauliflower, broccoli, rocket and sprouts, which contain a powerful supplement called sulforaphane).

Eat less red meat, ham and bacon which in excess weakens your immune system.

Try longer periods of fasting, so no late night snacks or biscuits during the day.

Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates such as cake and biscuits.

Add immune-strengthening herbs and spices such as garlic, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, basil, rosemary and thyme.

● Vitamins: The best three vitamins for your immune system are:

Vitamin C – found in apples, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, kale and broccoli.

Vitamin B6 – found in chicken, cold water fish (such as salmon and tuna), green vegetables and hummus.

Vitamin E – in nuts, seeds and spinach. Can be combined with zinc supplements.