Salud
A STRONGER
IMMUNE SYSTEM
W
B Y ANGELI CA GAVALDON
ith all the news coverage on coronavirus
and how it is quickly spreading around
the world, many people are panicking.
We are surrounded by information on
what to do and not to do. However, the
reality is that the stronger our immune system, the higher
chance we have of not being affected by this new virus, or
any other diseases out there.
I write and emphasize the importance of staying healthy
throughout the year by providing monthly tips. But if I must
narrow it down to only two things for keeping your immune
system strong, it would be going back to the basics - diet and
exercise. Here is why:
Exercise
Exercise helps us flush bacteria out of our lungs and like
a fever, when our body temperature rises, it kills bacteria.
However, that does not mean you should exercise when you
are already sick and have a fever. But having the right workout
routine is a great way to maintain a healthy body, including
a well-functioning immune system. It also helps antibodies,
promotes a healthy white blood cell count (the ones that help
you fight disease), and reduces stress, which we all know can
contribute to us getting sick.
So, for those anti-exercise people, what exactly can you do? If
you do not want to participate in heavy exercise, a simple walk
in the park for 20 minutes or riding the bike with your kids can
also make a big impact. It is important to make small changes
that will add up because over time, they can impact your health
dramatically. For example, try to take the stairs instead of the
elevator or park further away from wherever you are going to
get in a longer walk. Basically, the less time you spend sitting
the better.
Diet
When it comes to diet, we all
know that eating an unhealthy
diet day in and day out will
impact our health in a negative
way. There is no specific
food that you can eat that will
instantly make you healthy but
eating a well-balanced diet
that includes a lot of fruit and
vegetables will help make your
immune system stronger. Try to
pay attention to how your food
is being cooked and aim to eat
more green leafy vegetables, fruits and whole foods. You also
want to load up your plate with good carbs such as beans and
brown rice, lentils, and sweet potatoes and stay away from white
flour. I am not of fan of depriving yourself, but when it comes to
your health, moderation is key. I like to follow the 80/20 rule; 80
percent of the foods I consume are healthy, but I still allow myself
to splurge a little on my cravings.
By following these recommendations, you will be on a better track
to keeping yourself healthy amidst this outbreak and beyond.
Angelica Gavaldon
[email protected]
6 GBSAN.COM | APRIL 2020
Angelica Gavaldon is an internationally
recognized tennis player and the Health
and Beauty Contributor for Giving Back
Magazine. She currently runs a tennis
training program and clinics in Coronado.
For more information, call (619) 424-4000.