Even if you worked relentlessly on staying fit for years, you were probably more focused on good health since the pandemic started. Everyone will agree that managing your health during a pandemic is extremely important, but staying healthy at all times should also be at the top of your “must do” list. At Iron Fit in San Antonio, TX, we can help you with that and provide information you need, plus workouts that will help you shed pounds and look your fittest.
Obesity is the leading cause of preventable deaths.
Not only does obesity increase your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer. New studies show that obesity can also increase your risk of developing Covid-19. If you’re obese are 48% more likely to die of Covid-19, 74% more likely to require intensive care and 113% more likely to be hospitalized. One of the theories why this happens is from inactivity and poor diet, but others think the actual fat cells may be part of the problem. When your immune system is working correctly, it creates inflammation that helps the body fight an invader. Too many fat cells can also cause inflammation. Not only is the body weakened by this constant inflammation barrage, when it does happen, the fat cells cause excess inflammation, a problem most Covid-19 patients face.
The right nutrition can help prevent or minimize the effect of Covid-19.
Eat foods high in antioxidants that protect your cells, such as blueberries. Not only do they protect your from other serious conditions, such as cancer, they also aid in boosting your immunity in a pandemic. Inflammation plays a big role in the seriousness of a bout with Covid-19 and certain foods and spices can help reduce inflammation. Start by eliminating added sugar from your diet and switch to vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, fatty fish, green tea and yes! Coffee! Dairy products that aren’t fermented like kifir and yogurt, processed meats and fried foods need to be eliminated. High soluble fiber foods that feed your gut bacteria, which boosts your immune system should be added, such as beans, avocado and sweet potatoes.
Minimize stress and get plenty of sleep.
When you sleep your body repairs itself. That’s necessary to stay healthy. Stress can strip you of good sleep, plus tear down many of the body processes, effecting your immune system as well. How can you prevent stress when it seems to engulf you every day? Exercise is one way. It doesn’t stop stress but it burns off the hormones of stress and gets you back to normal. Deep breathing exercises also help relax you and so can meditation. You can stop the effects of stress in its tracks with those two techniques.
- Include foods that contain zinc and vitamin C. Foods with zinc include red meat, oysters, crab, whole grains and lobster. Vitamin C foods include citrus fruit, cantaloupe, red bell peppers and broccoli.
- Stress hormones not only cause tax your immune system, one stress hormone, cortisol, contributes to belly fat—visceral fat. It’s the most dangerous type of fat, since it crowds your organs.
- Do safe sunning, eat foods higher in vitamin D, such as meat, fatty fish or eggs. Vitamin D helps your immune system. Studies link vitamin D deficiency to the severity and infection of Covid-19.
- Follow the rules and boost your immune system with herbs. Wash your hands frequently, social distance and wear a mask. Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic and orange peel improve flavor and boost your immune system.
For more information, contact us today at IronFit San Antonio