Boosting your immune system is the most important thing to do concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. The immune system is your number one defense mechanism of your body, protecting you from various types of viruses, disease-causing pathogens, etc. Your health and immune system are directly related, and so are your eating habits. Therefore, avoid practicing eating habits that weaken your immune system and cause many health issues.
The stronger your immune system is, the more protection you will have against viruses, cold and other illnesses that can attack your body. A weak immunity can make you more vulnerable to fight this global pandemic and other infections like frequent cold, sinuses, and slow wound healing and cause anemia, fatigue, and lethargy. But blistering immunity is all about choosing foods that help support the immune system while sidestepping behaviors that can weaken immunity.
We will talk about a few unhealthy eating habits that weaken your immune system. You should be mindful as you work on boosting your immune defenses. Avoid these habits to live a healthy life.
Unhealthy Eating Habits That Weaken Your Immune System
1. Drinking Too Much Alcohol
A glass of wine can be a healthy way to get through this crisis. But excessive alcohol consumption can alter your immune system in ways that are particularly important right now. According to research, there is a direct relation between drinking too much alcohol and a weakened immune system. The effects include increased susceptibility to pneumonia and a greater likelihood of developing acute respiratory syndromes that could potentially impact COVID-19 outcomes.
2. Eating Excess Salt
High sodium intake can be associated with problems like fluid retention and high blood pressure. According to some studies, too much salt can also lead to immune deficiencies. When kidneys excrete excess sodium, a domino effect reduces the body’s ability to fight bacterial infections. Some studies show reducing salt in your diet can give you an extra year of life!
3. Eating Too Much Fast Food
When you eat a burger, your body reacts as if you have swallowed loads of bacteria. The high fat, salt, and carbohydrate load stimulate your immune system to jump into action. Some studies show that poor nutrition does have long-term negative consequences on the immune system and our health. Therefore, avoid eating junk food in your diet.
4. Consuming Sugary Drinks
Cutting down on excess added sugar is a smart idea for many reasons, including good mental health. It’s also beneficial for the immune system. Research has confirmed that people who regularly drink sugary drinks have high levels of inflammation. Some studies have also found that after an overnight fast, humans fed 100 grams of sugar experienced a reduction in immune cells’ ability to engulf bacteria. It doesn’t mean you should avoid sugar completely but avoiding its short-term overindulgence is a worthwhile goal.
5. Eating Raw Or Undercooked Food
Certain foods should not be consumed raw or undercooked, such as potatoes, chicken, kidney beans, sprouts, etc. When you cook the food before, it increases the nutritional content present in food, compared to the uncooked food. Consuming well-boiled or fried eggs allow us to benefit from their vitamin and protein content and prevent bacteria’s formation.
6. Not Eating Enough Proteins
Protein is vital for building and repairing tissues and also to fight viruses and bacteria. Low-protein intake can cause our immune system to weaken while consuming far too much can cause kidney problems such as kidney stones. They are responsible for building muscles’ mass. Proteins are also responsible for curbing your hunger levels, which may lead to weight gain.
A balanced and healthy diet during the global pandemic plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong immune system. And we need to take care of the body’s natural defense mechanism to fight against the coronavirus. With the proper and healthy food, start avoiding these eating habits that weaken your immune system.