Corona Virus is here…there may only be a few cases currently in NZ but what can you do naturally to help increase your body’s immune response to protect yourself from getting sick should you rub shoulders with someone that has it; or if you do get sick help speed up the healing process?

We all know the basics of how to look after ourselves but how well are we implementing these basics at the moment. Does your current routine include eating well, taking a good multi vitamin, getting enough exercise, staying hydrated and ensuring you get adequate sleep?

Here are a few pointers on how to boost your immune system to keep yourself healthy and give your body a fighting chance at keeping Coronavirus away!

1) Sleep…getting sufficient sleep is one of the most important aspects of keeping your immune system in optimum condition. The average person needs anywhere from 7-9 hours sleep every night. Inadequate or broken sleep weakens the immune system dramatically. Studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.

2) Eat immune boosting foods – fruit, vegetables, garlic, ginger, onion, oily fish, barley grass, raw nuts and seeds etc. Don’t forget that broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts contain phyto-nutrients that protect against infection.

3) Minimise mucous producing foods such as milk, cheese, ice cream, preserved meats and processed foods. Eating to many of these foods can prolong your recovery if you are sick.

4) Keep your fluid intake up – 8-10 glasses a day, a hydrated body functions allot better than one that is dehydrated.

5) Ensure you are getting adequate intake of the most important minerals for the immune system, magnesium (400mg), zinc (15-20mg) and (selenium 200mcg). NZ soil is depleted in allot of minerals and contains very low levels of selenium so it is especially important to supplement this.

6) Use vitamins, minerals and herbs to increase your body’s defences. You may want to increase your vitamin C and zinc intake over the upcoming days to give yourself that extra boost. Taking olive leaf extract is also a natural way to support the immune system. It is a powerful antioxidant with antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It can be taken as a preventative measure or when you get sick to kick those bugs away in a matter of days.

Remember a healthy body rarely gets sick. If you look after yourself by getting enough sleep, eat good quality food, exercise and supplement nutrients to keep your immune system running optimally your body will have a much better chance at fighting off the bugs and at worse eliminate them in a shorter time frame than the average person.

Recommended Daily Supplements for Immune System Boosting:
– Olive leaf Extract 500mg (powerful antiviral and antibacterial)
– Vitamin C 1-2g
– Zinc 15-20mg
– Magnesium 400mg
– Selenium 200mcg (this may already be in your multi vitamin)

If you would like any further advice or recommendations talk to your FORM Fitness Trainer. (If you do use supplements ensure they are from a reputable company – we stock Solgar Products at the Studio due to them being sourced from natural elements and providing standardised extracts).