A good immune system can lessen your chances of getting sick from common ailments such as colds and the flu. And with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infecting many of us, people are looking for ways to boost their immune systems. We need our bodies’ defenses to be as strong as possible. Like an army, the immune system is an intricate network of units that act together to combat invaders, in this case bacteria, viruses and other “enemies.”
Because it’s a system of numerous parts instead of a single unit, it technically can’t be boosted. But it can be strengthened to run efficiently in order to fight off Covid-19. Good nutrition via a healthful diet is a crucial component in keeping your body’s “soldiers” fit and ready.
When it comes to your health, there is indeed some truth in the saying “You are what you eat.” On a lesser scale, it could also be said, “You are what you drink.” Your daily food and beverage choices can have a huge impact on your overall health. We are always encouraged to have nutritious eating habits, but what, you ask, does a nutritious diet consist of?
RI Family Guide encourages everyone to be responsible and pro-active in taking small steps toward better nutritional health. Here’s a basic culinary guide that promotes good health.
Focus on nutrient-dense foods. They’re naturally high in vitamins, minerals and fiber, and they’re low in calories. Some examples are salmon, kale, shellfish, liver, potatoes and blueberries.
Eat plenty of foods from plant sources. Add more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds to your daily diet.
Limit meat. This is particularly true of red or processed meats.
Go easy on saturated and trans fats. Butter and oils should make up only 10 percent of your daily caloric intake.
Balance calories. For healthy weight management, the USDA’s guidelines say that women need 1,600 to 2,000 calories per day, while men need 2,400 to 2,600 calories.
Avoid using too much salt in your cooking and on your plate.
Get moving! Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
We’re here to help! If you’d like to speak to someone at RI Family guide, please call 401-862-0505 or our office at 401-247-0850. You can also email us at StaySafeRI@gmail.com or fill in the Contact Us box.