With COVID-19 spreading quickly and infecting many, our immune systems are cued to kill the foreign invader. To help put up a good fight, our health needs to be well taken care of. 

The immune system is a network of cells, tissues and organs that help the body fight against infections and diseases. Contrary to popular belief, having a healthy immune system does not necessarily entail eating healthy foods all day, every day and exercising multiple hours a day; a healthy immune system can be reached through various methods. 

“With the ongoing pandemic, my family and I have upped our consumption of turmeric and ginger by drinking homemade turmeric and ginger tea every morning,” co-captain of the varsity volleyball team, senior Amber Keaton said.

According to healthline.com, turmeric and ginger can both be used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, support immune function and decrease nausea. 

Keaton has not caught a cold or fallen ill in 2020. Her method of healthy eating and replenishing her body with ginger and turmeric is one example of how to boost the immune system. She believes that her lifestyle may prove to be the optimal solution to maintaining a healthy immune system. 

 There are alternatives for others who might not be able to work out every day or have trouble restricting the foods they eat. To help improve the immune system, precautions such as washing hands frequently, minimizing stress and getting adequate sleep should be taken. Additionally, simply adding garlic to your meals has antimicrobial benefits like killing or slowing the spread of bacteria and viruses. 

Senior Sabas Pineda, co-captain of the varsity soccer team, uses his family’s traditional methods to stay healthy.

“I eat a lot of fruits like bananas and apples, vegetables like spinach and tomatoes, plenty of meat and a ginger beet smoothie before every practice or game,” Pineda said. 

According to Golden Gate Organics, beets are high in immune boosting vitamin C, fiber and minerals like potassium that are essential for the health of nerves and muscle function, boosting bone strength and strengthening your immune system by stimulating the production of antibodies and white blood cells.

Although citruses contain much of this immune boosting nutrient, the fruits that contain the most are red bell peppers. There are also a plethora of other foods that can be consumed to up vitamin C intake such as broccoli, ginger, turmeric, garlic, spinach, yogurt and almonds. Extra glasses of water and frequent consumption of these foods can go a long way.

The immune system protects the human body from diseases, viruses and infections around the clock. Treating the body correctly by taking simple steps to boost the immune system will help the process of fighting invaders. A healthy diet, frequent exercise, adequate sleep and much more will deeply affect the frequency at which one falls ill.