The COVID-19 pandemic dominates much of the global conversation, but health doesn't seem to be a central part of the discussion. The focus of the dialogue seems to be on lockdowns, transmission rates, and deaths, but why aren't we talking about health? Exercise, eating well, and taking care of your mental health are all important to avoiding complications should you contract the virus. Obesity and pre-existing conditions are two factors that can contribute to the worsening of symptoms and even death, but another vital thing to do is to take your vitamins.
Vitamins & the Virus
Whether you are getting enough nutrients from healthy foods or not, vitamin supplements are important to take. Even if you are exercising regularly, vitamins can be integral to boosting your immune health and therefore help you avoid contracting the virus and the complications that result. For example, there have been reports that 80 percent of COVID-19 patients have deficient levels of vitamin D. But it isn't the only vitamin that you can take to boost your immune system. Vitamin C and zinc are also supplements you can use. It doesn't matter if you're doing everything you need to do, it's still vital to take supplemental vitamins. It can be the difference between suffering from the virus and avoiding it.
Ways to Supplement
Another option is to consult a doctor about your personal deficiencies to determine what supplements you should take. Vitamin D is a good place to start, but you may need to take other supplements to keep up the health of your immune system. You can take vitamins in pill form, or you can take a look into supplemental snacks and other options. For example, you look into chocolates with supplements. You can also buy bags of nuts and other snacks to supplement your vitamins with an almost trail mix-like bag of everything you need. Vitamins are essential to keeping your immune system healthy. If you are lacking specific vitamins in your body, taking supplements can help keep you healthy and boost your immunity to the COVID-19 virus.
Effectiveness
Of course you shouldn't think that taking vitamins will automatically keep you safe from COVID-19. It is absolutely crucial for your immune system to eat well, exercise, and get some sun. You get vitamin D from sunlight and direct sunlight kills the virus. Taking vitamin C and zinc will help boost your immune system, but they may not help you keep from getting sick. Your immune health works in tandem with your diet, exercise, and supplements. You should make a coordinated effort to get and stay healthy during this time. Taking supplements can help, but you have to do the hard work.
Doing the Work of Self-Care
Self-care doesn't end with vitamins, exercise, and a good diet. It's also imperative to care for your mental health. If you are depressed, anxious, or stressed, you are more likely to eat poorly, lack motivation to exercise, and care less about yourself. It's so pivotal to get outside. Not only does it provide vitamin D, the outdoors improves your mindset and outlook on life. When your mind is healthy, your body will only benefit. Your mind and body are intertwined after all. It's pivotal to take care of both to stay healthy.
COVID-19 has illuminated the difficult truth many already knew. The United States is an unhealthy country. As a culture and a society, we need a health awakening that begins with diet and exercise, including mental health, getting outside, and taking the necessary supplements to keep your immune system strong.
While the conversation hasn't been focused on diet, exercise, and vitamins, it should be. Lockdowns and death rates aren't helping us keep up our spirits that provide the means to take care of our bodies. When it comes to a deadly pandemic like COVID-19, health should be at the forefront of our minds. Even after the pandemic is over, something else will get you in the end. In order to avoid disease, suffering, and a premature death, it's absolutely necessary to take care of yourself. Taking supplements is one avenue you can use to stay healthy and have a happier life.
