With the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the best time to boost your immune system.  However, when people are on lockdown, it is tempting to binge-watch movies or TV shows.  If you are like most people, this means eating junk food and staying awake until the wee hours.  However, deep down, you know that you should be taking better care of yourself.  

Believe it or not, there are three simple things you can do to build your immune system – exercise with online coaches, keep yourself hydrated, and take an immune system booster.

According to nutritionists, everyone should target at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. They also highlight that some plants are more nutritious than others. 

This article talks about “power foods” and how you can include these in your daily meals.

Spirulina

This blue-green alga is very nutritious.  The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) even proposed growing spirulina in space to serve as food for astronauts.  

In a single tablespoon of spirulina, you get protein, vitamins B1, B2, B3, copper, iron, essential minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Based on studies released by the National Institute of Health, spirulina was proven to be an effective immune system booster, especially for older adults.  Aging usually results in anemia and immunosenescence, the gradual decline of the immune system.  However, with regular intake of spirulina, there is a significant improvement in complete cell count (CCC) and enzyme activity.

Add spirulina powder to your smoothies and baked products.

Barley  

Another effective way of boosting your immune system is by adding barley to your soups.  It provides up to 20 per cent of your daily requirement for vitamin B1 (thiamine) and minerals like manganese and selenium.  

In addition to this, barley adds fibre to avoid constipation.  With the regular release of toxins from the body, the result is a more robust immune system.

It is effortless to include barley in your meals.  In your slow cooker, add barley powder, chicken, vegetables, and seasonings.  You will enjoy nutritious chicken soup right after a two-hour movie.

Wheatgrass

According to an article by Healthline, wheatgrass strengthens the immune system due to its antioxidant properties.  Also called “green blood,” wheatgrass is high in chlorophyll.  If you are unable to reach the recommended daily serving of vegetables, wheatgrass is a suitable replacement.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, most people have no choice but to eat processed foods.  Wheatgrass counteracts the toxicity of chemicals by alkalizing your body.  

This superfood is available in health stores in various forms – tablets, juice, or powder form.  Nutritionists recommend drinking wheatgrass juice for its immediate benefits.  However, you can also add wheatgrass powder to your salads, smoothies, and dishes.

Chlorella

Like spirulina, chlorella is also a nutritious alga. It also contains protein, vitamin B12, iron, vitamin C, omega-3s, and fibre.  

You are at risk of toxicity if there is regular exposure to pollution or metals like cadmium and lead. Chlorella helps by enabling your body to clear these toxins.

As an immune system booster, chlorella increases the body’s ability to produce more antibodies.  In addition to frequent washing of hands to avoid the spread of COVID, regular consumption of chlorella is the perfect complement to fight viruses.

These four supplements are readily available in health stores. By including these in your diet, you can see an improvement in your family’s immune system.