Advertisement
From boosting foods to lifestyle changes to a healthy attitude
You want — no, NEED — to stay healthy and functioning at a level 10 to keep up with the demands of day-to-day life. There’s just soooo much to do. Bottom line, your universe needs you healthy.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Good news! While there’s no magic “healthy pill,” there are tried-and-true ways to take your immunity superpowers up a notch. Preventive medicine physician and wellness expert Sandra Darling, DO, shares her top tips for staying healthy.
“Let’s start with the basics: Wash your hands for 20 seconds, don’t touch your face and take social distancing seriously when around anyone who seems sick,” says Dr. Darling. “If you only do these three things, you’ll be well on your way to staying healthy.”
But there’s more you can do. Dr. Darling prescribes four stay-healthy strategies.
“I believe in the power of immune-boosting foods,” says Dr. Darling. “Choosing whole, unprocessed foods does wonders for overall health.”
Dr. Darling recommends these immunity boosters:
Advertisement
Living under constant stress, even low-grade, that continues day in and out, causes the body to produce too much cortisol, the stress hormone. Over time, elevated cortisol lowers your resistance to fighting off infection and contributes to poor sleep and higher blood pressure.
Protect yourself from stress and bolster your immune system with a few lifestyle tweaks:
A positive mindset is vital for health and well-being. Research shows that positive thoughts reduce stress and inflammation and increase resilience to infection — while negative emotions can make you more susceptible to the common cold and flu.
“Start your day with a positive thought or even a mantra such as, ‘I am well,’” says Dr. Darling.
If you’re ready to give it all you got when it comes to avoiding the coronavirus, consider these extra measures:
And sometimes, even with lots of sleep and vitamin C, superheroes get sick. It’s OK! The key is to take time off to recharge (and avoid getting others sick). In no time, you’ll be donning your cape again. But for your health and the health of those around you, make sure you’re fully supercharged before you do.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Most adults aren’t getting enough of the essential nutrient
Having a well-rounded, healthy nutrition plan is just as important as staying consistent with your exercise routine
Avocados, cheese and nuts are high in calories but have big health benefits
Brown rice can help lower your risk of chronic disease, support digestion, manage weight and blood sugar, and build muscle
Pescatarians don’t eat poultry, game or red meat, but they do eat fish and seafood, dairy and eggs
Calorie counts on nutrition labels can be off by up to 20%
Focus on balanced meals, smart snacks, consistent eating and choice-driven conversations
As your body can’t make them, you must get the six essential nutrients — fats, carbs, protein, vitamins, minerals and water — from food and drink
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods