How to Keep Your Immune System Strong During a Pandemic

Your immune system works as a well-organized team to protect you from infections. When it detects potentially dangerous bacteria or viruses, your immune system unleashes a powerful army to destroy what could potentially harm your body.(1) 


At least that’s how things should work.


 Numerous things can impede your immune system, inhibiting its ability to fight viruses and other threats. A weak immune system can’t effectively fight bacteria, viruses, and toxins.(2) 


As a result, you become increasingly susceptible to infections.

Situation Report

The World Health Organization (WHO) calls the virus a pandemic, or a disease that is spreading in multiple countries around the world at the same time.(3) 


As of March 12, 4,751 people have died from the novel virus. Around 10 percent of those with the virus are in serious or critical condition.(4) On the other hand, of the closed cases about the virus, 94 percent had recovered and were discharged.(5)

 

Research shows that being overly obsessed with these kinds of statistics can create anxiety and stress, which can be damaging to your immune system.(6) 


Instead, be proactive and take simple precautions to protect your immune system. Wash your hands. You hear this often for a reason: You transfer germs through your eyes, nose, and mouth, which impacts your entire body. Washing hands with soap and clean, running water (for at least 20 seconds) can remove germs to help prevent many diseases and conditions.(7)

Numerous things can weaken your immune system and make you more 

susceptible to viruses and other infections. Among them include:

  • An overload of free radicals. Your body can handle a certain amount of these unstable molecules. But when free radicals overpower your body’s antioxidant defense, a condition called oxidative stress can result.(8) 
  • Chronic inflammation. While inflammation is part of your body’s immune response, that inflammation should do its job and simmer down.(9) When inflammation stays in overdrive -- called chronic inflammation -- your immune system can take a hit.(10) 
  • Being constantly stressed out. Some stress can actually keep your immune system strong.(11) But maintaining the right balance is key. Stress can include mental stress(12) but also things like over-exercising.(13) They can all weaken your immune system. 
  • Environmental toxins. Cosmetics, food, water, and even the air you breathe can bombard your body with toxins, which accumulate and can hurt your immune system.(14)

The good news is that with the right strategies, you can minimize your risk of 

viruses to keep your immune system strong.

Reduce Your Risk

Common sense creates a good foundation for a strong immune system to fight viruses. Besides washing your hands and being mindful of your surroundings, other factors to consider for virus prevention and immune health include:

  • Don’t smoke.

  • If you drink alcohol, keep intake to one glass for women or two for men daily.

  • Avoid contact with coworkers and other people as much as possible if you’re feeling ill or sick. (Even the sniffles can be an early sign of a virus)

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a natural cleaning spray or wipe.

  • Avoid crowded sources of transportation and events.

  • Work closely with your healthcare practitioner.

Most importantly, don’t panic. Constantly stressing or worrying can trigger illness and prolong its duration.

Talk with your healthcare practitioner about any particular concerns about these and other things that can impact your immune system. Never discontinue or modify any medications or other advice without his or her consent.

9 Ways to Keep Your Immune System Strong 

During a Pandemic

Fortunately, you have plenty of control to keep your immune system strong and minimize infections. Prevention is key to avoid infections.

 How you eat and live can dramatically impact how well your immune system works. 

These nine strategies will keep your immune system healthy to prevent viruses and other infections.

1. Eat well. A strong immune system starts with what you put on the end of your fork. Eating plenty of antioxidant-rich vegetables and low-sugar fruits, for instance, can lower the number of free radicals to keep your immune system strong.(15) The omega-3 fatty acids in wild-caught seafood can help manage inflammation levels.(16) Our Core and Advanced Plans include these and other foods. Both plans provide all the nutrients you need to keep your immune system healthy.


2. Exercise. Moderate amounts of exercise can support your immune system.(17) Strength training and higher-intensity exercise are great, but even walking counts. One study found that post-menopausal women who walked 30 minutes daily for a year had half the colds as those who didn’t exercise.(18)


3. Manage stress. Researchers looked at more than 300 human studies over three decades. They found that being constantly stressed can harm your immune system.(19) Keeping stress under control depends on what works for you: Meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise can all be helpful.


4. Stay hydrated. When you’re dehydrated, you lower the volume of blood and lymphatic fluids that support a healthy immune system. Dehydration can also increase inflammation,(20) so your body can’t work as efficiently to fight viruses and other infections. Drink plenty of clean, filtered water throughout your day.


5. Minimize environmental toxins. Buy organic foods whenever possible. Be mindful about cosmetics and other everyday products that can contain problem ingredients. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has excellent guides on buying the best produce, skincare products, and household cleaners.

6. Get good sleep. When you don’t sleep well, you limit the ability of your immune cells to fight infections. Lack of sleep means you’re more likely to get sick after you’re exposed to a virus, plus your body takes longer to recover from illness.(21) Aim for eight hours of solid, uninterrupted sleep every night, and consider a sleep supplement if you have trouble falling or staying asleep.


7. Protect your gut. Your immune system and gut work together.(22) After all, about 70 percent of your immune system is in your gut.(23) An out-of-balance gut can weaken your immune system. Good gut health includes eating plenty of fermented and cultured foods, which contain probiotics to support your immune system.(24)


8. Visit your chiropractor. Research shows that even a single chiropractic adjustment can positively benefit your immune system.(25) A three-year clinical study conducted by Ronald Pero, Ph.D., chief of cancer prevention research at New York’s Preventive Medicine Institute, shows that those who receive chiropractic care have a 200% greater immune competence than those who do not.(26) Chiropractic care can provide other ways to keep your immune system strong including stress management tips and immune-supporting supplements.

9. Get the right nutrients. Being proactive about a strong immune system requires getting the right nutrients. 

MaxLiving Immune Boost Bundle is designed to help strengthen your immune system, so your body is better 

prepared to defend itself against viruses and illnesses.

Immune Boost Bundle

  • Daily Defense contains immune-supporting nutrients including curcumin and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine. They work together to help lower inflammation and boost antioxidants.

  • Probiotic 50B is a strong probiotic that stimulates healthy gut flora and effectively boosts immunity. This unique blend of ingredients is delivered in a moisture-resistant capsule featuring delayed release technology so your body will absorb it when it needs it the most.

  • Vitamin C Complete combines this immune-supporting vitamin with the antioxidant boost of citrus bioflavonoids and quercetin to strengthen your immune system.

  • Garlic + Parsley Oil Blend supports a healthy inflammatory response, a strong immune system, and antioxidant protection for your immune system.

  • Vitamin D3 + Probiotics features 5,000 IU of vitamin D3, 10 billion CFU of probiotics, and FOS prebiotics from chicory root. This combination of ingredients delivers an immune-boosting punch to help fight off viruses.

While global health concerns can feel nerve-wracking, you don’t need to be a victim of panic. 

Be proactive and take common-sense approaches to your health. 

With these strategies, you have the power to support and maintain a strong immune system.

References: 

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320721 

2. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/how-use-your-immune-system-stay-healthy#2 

3. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51839944 

4. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ 

5. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ 

6. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/opinion/coronavirus-statistics.html 

7. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/why-handwashing.html 

8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/ 

9. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320721#Impact-of-lifestyle-on-immune-response 

10. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140210095406.htm 

11. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-happens-when-your-immune-system-gets-stressed-out/ 

12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4465119/ 

13. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Overtraining-Syndrome-Kreher-Schwartz/c20d022c68e8916cdd803f9a8cc7dd30496170fa 

14. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191002144257.htm 

15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26370542 

16. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3 

17. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007165.htm 

18. https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(06)00782-0/fulltext 

19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1361287/ 

20. https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1331212/dehydration-leading-cause-diseases 

21. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757 

22. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190226112241.htm 

23. https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/things-your-gut-wants-you-to-know 

24. https://www.gssiweb.org/sports-science-exchange/article/nutrition-strategies-for-gut-health-and-immune-function---what-do-we-know-and-what-are-the-gaps 

25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20825650 

26. https://healthsourcelombard.com/does-chiropractic-strengthen-immunity/