As a Public Health Doctor, I am very concerned. We now know that COVID-19 will mostly affect people that are immune-compromised and seniors over 60 years of age. But what we need to understand is that anyone can become immune-compromised on any day.  Furthermore, the things that are flying off the grocery shelves are not the items that will help you to survive the COVID-19 infection!

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is now beyond containment. Anyone across the world could get this viral infection. Therefore, the best way to reduce its spread is to limit your exposure. The easiest way to begin doing this is by Social Distancing. This must be coupled with proper hygiene practices such as Washing your Hands for at least 20 seconds and regularly cleaning frequent contact surfaces.

However, what if you or a loved one gets infected, what then?  The good news is that not everyone that is infected and immune-compromised will die from this disease.  But if you think that only people with diabetes, cancer, lupus, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or any other autoimmune disease can become immune-compromised, you are wrong.

We all do things that compromise our immune system every day including:

• not getting adequate sleep
• failing to provide our bodies with proper nutrition
• not exercising
• not getting fresh air or sunshine and
• being stressed

Our stress levels may explain why there are empty grocery shelves of toilet paper though this disease does not cause diarrhea! There is no shortage of toilet paper. People are hoarding to feel more in control.  Feeling more in control reduces stress!

We also can’t find eggs, milk, and bread in the supermarkets but none of these things will help boost our immune systems. What we should be buying to boost our immune system is still in abundance in the stores.  We should be buying fruits and vegetables which contain vitamins and minerals which our body depletes when stressed. Only fruits and vegetables contain natural killers that we haven’t even named as we haven’t yet discovered them!

Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is not as effective as eating fruits and vegetables which provides far more benefits.  Plus, we must eat to live, so we might as well consume food that makes our bodies stronger.  Instead, we consume lots of sugar which depresses the immune system.  So, here are my Top 7 Things to Boost your Immune System Naturally –

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables, both raw and cooked, smoothies more than juices.
2. Reduce your intake of sugars and fats, especially high fructose corn syrup.
3. Get adequate rest, that is 7-9 hours daily.
4. Increase your physical activity, at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity so your body sweats but that can be done outside the gym, including while cleaning your home.
5. Do not smoke and avoid alcohol as they depress your immune system
6. Drink water to boost your immune system. Your body requires half your body weight in ounces so if you weigh 150 pounds you should drink 75 fluid ounces of water daily.
7. Reduce stress. One way to achieve this is by praying and trusting in God.  Prayer has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and boost your immune system. Provided we commit our lives to God, he forgives us for any wrong we have done and will give us eternal life.