Here are a few ways you can promote your Immune System when you get COVID. Now, this article is not meant to be a detailed analysis of the subject. It is also not meant to be a medical prescription for COVID treatment. As a Chiropractor, I do not treat any sickness or disease, this includes COVID. 

Promoting your Immune System when you have COVID is not the same as treating the sickness of COVID. There are varying opinions and options when it comes to treating COVID. Please discuss your options with your primary care physician.

These tips though are tried and true means of promoting Immune health and function no matter if you have COVID or not. Again, if you have any individual health concerns about COVID treatment, please contact your primary care physician or other healthcare professional with your specific questions. 

So, how do you promote the health of your Immune system when you get COVID? It is important to understand that health promotion hinges on being proactive in your decisions. 

Here are 5 proactive tips to promote the health of your Immune System if you get COVID. 

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Water is the essential ingredient to life. All the trillions of cells that make up our human body are mostly water. Keeping them hydrated is vital for health and healing. Water helps transports nutrients throughout your body. It also helps remove toxins from the body. 

2. Get Plenty of Sleep

Our body does a great deal of its healing when we sleep, repairing and restoring sick cells. Quality sleep has been shown to revitalize the T-Cells of your body. T-Cells are major Immune System players in your body’s fight against infection. 

3. Reduce Sugar Consumption

Pathogens such as viruses love sugar, especially refined sugar. Not only that, high amounts of sugar in our body force our Immune System to work overtime, creating a weakness in its function. Food high in refined sugar includes cookies, cakes, pastries, pop, alcohol, yogurt, breads, pasta, dressings and condiments. 

4. Support with Nutrients Such as Vitamin D, C, and Zinc

Essential nutrients such as Vitamin D, C, and Zinc are your Immune System’s best friend. These nutrients help support the integrity of your cells to fight infection. Sources high in Vitamin D include cold-water fish, eggs, red meat, mushrooms and good old sunshine. Sources high in Vitamin C include most fruits and vegetables such as kiwis, black cherries, oranges, spinach, kale and broccoli. Sources high in Zinc include red meat, fish, eggs, legumes, seeds and nuts.

5. Reduce Stress Levels

When our body is exposed to chronic stress, it can tax our Immune System to the point of exhaustion. When our natural defenses are down, pathogens such as viruses can wreak havoc on our bodies. Stress creates inflammation and prolonged cortisol production. Prolonged cortisol inhibits immune proteins and T-cell function.

- Dr. Jarek Esarco, DC, CACCP

Jarek Esarco, DC, CACCP is a pediatric, family wellness and upper cervical specific Chiropractor. He is an active member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr. Jarek has postgraduate certification in Pediatric Chiropractic through the ICPA. Dr. Jarek also has postgraduate certification in the HIO Specific Brain Stem technique through The TIC Institute. Dr. Jarek is happily married to his wife Regina. They live in Youngstown, Ohio with their daughter Ruby.