Tips to Help Prevent Illness

For the past few weeks, coronavirus (COVID-19) has been dominating the headlines. Hand sanitizer and canned goods may be hard to find, but there are some steps you can take to prevent illness in the first place. Here are our tips to help you stay healthy when faced with illnesses including the flu, common cold, and coronavirus.

Wash Your Hands

We know you’ve heard this countless times, but it’s worth repeating – wash your hands, and wash them well! Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap as your first line of defense against germs.

You should especially wash hands after using the restroom, before meals, or when you’ve been in a public place where people are actively spreading germs including touching public screens, doorknobs, and credit card machines. Be mindful of touching your face and especially avoid it when you are out in public and have touched a germy object like a door handle.

Eat Healthy

A healthy immune system starts with your gut! A well-rounded diet including fresh fruits, whole grains, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein will keep good gut bacteria happy. This is one of the first lines of defense your body has when it is exposed to germs, so keep your guy healthy and you will help keep your whole body healthy.

It’s also a good idea to cut down on added sugars, as they can throw off the balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut. Be sure to stay hydrated, too!

Additionally, supplements like Vitamin C and Vitamin D (which you can get from a few minutes in the sun) won’t hurt.

Sleep Well

When you are feeling stressed and anxious, it may be hard to get a good night’s sleep. But if you aren’t getting at least seven hours of restful sleep each night, you aren’t doing your body (or your immune system) any favors. When you are sleeping, your body uses that time to rest and rejuvenate. Sleep is key to health and wellness, so be sure to do everything you can to get enough of it. Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet and analyze your bedtime routine. Limit caffeine consumption and turn off all electronics at least an hour before bed. Scrolling through social media and staring at the TV’s constant loop of coronavirus news isn’t going to help you get the sleep you need, so tune out before bedtime.

See Your Local Brooklyn Chiropractor

Chiropractic focuses on the function and wellness of the central nervous system, which conveniently regulates every function of your body – yes, including your immune system. When you maintain regular chiropractic care, the negative impact of spinal joint dysfunctions is removed so your central nervous system can communicate efficiently and effectively with the rest of your body.