Winter 2022 can be bad for many due to the high likelihood of a tridemic. This would be of flu, respiratory syncytial virus and covid-19. The latter though less has not yet disappeared from this world and might not completely disappear also. How to be ready to fight this tridemic of viral infections?
Tridemic of flu, respiratory syncytial virus and covid-19
Covid-19 infection swept the world in December 2019. It caused a terrible pandemic and led to diseases, deaths, economic losses, job losses, aviation hits etc. This pandemic though less is not yet over. It is ongoing and might worsen with the chilly season coming in.
And with winter, there could be attack of other two common viruses namely influenza and respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. Already, flu cases are rising and so are the RSV infections in pediatric patients. A tridemic of all three viruses is expected to affect the European, North American and other cold nations of the world. Are we prepared for it? How to make your body strong to fight the germs out?
Immunity boosting efforts
In order to overcome this triple threat we need to boost our immunity. Immunity depends on several factors and some of these like age, gender, genes are not under our control. But some like our diet and eating habits can be altered to enhance immunity to fight the pathogens. Amy Goodson, a registered dietitian states:
“If you are looking to keep your immune system strong against colds, germs, and other illnesses, fill up on whole foods like colorful produce, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and whole grains,”
“These foods are packed with nutrients to help your body stay strong and fight off what comes its way.”
Vitamin C rich foods (Source: Health line)Have more antioxidants
Amy explains:
“Antioxidants like flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids help fight free radicals (aka the bad guys) that can potentially cause damage to your cells and compromise your immune system,”
“And luckily, these nutrients are found in all of your colorful produce.”
Flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, are all good for body and immunity. One can have the fruits and vegetables as well as their smoothies.
Increase vitamin C intake
This vitamin boosts the immune system. Have more citrus fruit, gooseberries, guava for it. Amy adds:
“While you might think of oranges and orange juice—which are high in vitamin C, you can also get vitamin C from tomatoes and tomato juice, red bell peppers, other citrus fruits like strawberries, and green vegetables like spinach and green beans.”
Zinc rich foods
Zinc rich foods (Source: BeBeautiful)The mineral, Zinc is good for immunity. Amy states:
“Beef, red meat, legumes, nuts, seeds, dairy foods, and even dark chocolate have zinc in them.”
One can snack on nuts and seeds and this will improve your immunity. Dietitian Trista Best says:
“Immune enhancing snacks are an excellent way to integrate nutrients that protect against illness. So trade out your usual chips or popcorn for nuts and seeds,”
And she adds:
“Nuts like almonds and walnuts, or seeds like sunflower and pumpkin, contain many vitamins and minerals that aid in regulating and supporting the immune system. These nutrients include B6, phosphorus, selenium, and magnesium, along with healthy fats that help lower inflammation that otherwise can interfere with immune function.”
Fermented foods and probiotics
Read here: Why fermented foods should be a regular in your daily food regime?
Fermented foods (Source: Harvard Health)These are good immune boosters. Further, Trista elaborates:
“Probiotics can help immunity by secreting substances that trigger the immune system to react more strongly, thereby preventing pathogens from being able to take root and cause illness.”