Chris Deavin
Dec 10, 20211 min
Let’s start with the hard truth
You can’t fully control whether you catch a cold, the flu, or COVID-19.
You also can’t control how your body will react once it’s exposed to a pathogen.
There are many different factors that determine your body’s response. Some you can impact, like nutrient deciencies. Others you can’t do anything about, like your age.
But even among the factors you can influence, no single tweak or “hack” can control such a complex system. (Short of a proven vaccine or drug therapy.)
No magical supplement, superfood, diet plan, or exercise routine can ensure you’ll stay healthy.
There is good news, though: When it comes to your immune system, your daily actions can make a meaningful difference.
By consistently practicing healthy behaviors, you can:
- reduce your exposure and susceptibility
- help optimize your immune function over time
- better prepare your body to fight off foreign invaders
Plus, focusing on constructive behaviors might help you feel just a little bit more in control. And that could help ease the anxiety and stress that come with all the uncertainty.
Our suggestion: Prioritize the “big rocks,” or pillars, of a healthy lifestyle.
Eat mostly minimally-processed whole foods
Get enough protein, fruits, and vegetables
Consume an appropriate number of calories (to avoid or lose excess body fat)
Move regularly
Reduce smoking and/or excessive alcohol consumption
Get adequate sleep
Manage stress
Pick and choose the strategies that make the most sense and feel doable to you right now. You can always incorporate others later.
And remember, there’s nothing wrong with starting small. That’s where great progress often begins.
Chris, myHealthCoach