Ways to Stay Healthy Amid the Pandemic

GIDOCJHB is a Gastroenterology practice in Johannesburg. In addition to basic laboratory and X-ray services, we provide sophisticated endoscopic testing, in-office imaging services, and innovative treatments.

Additionally, our evaluation and treatments are provided in an outpatient setting with easy scheduling, and emphasis on patient comfort.

We are committed to offering our patients  advanced and comprehensive Gastroenterology care.

Dr. Schneider and his team are highly skilled in innovative techniques to help prevent, diagnose, and treat digestive disorders.

We strive to treat you with integrity and respect in a comfortable atmosphere.

Whether you need long-term or short-term digestive treatments, you will receive the  diagnosis and effective treatment to keep your stomach, digestive system, and organs healthy.

As people young and old around the world mandatory self-isolate because of Covid-19, factors like stress, anxiety, a lack of social interaction, overeating, and economic pressures can lead to many negative physical and mental challenges, such as colon stress, digestive health, immune system problems, and mental health challenges.

While everyone’s circumstances vary and people are experiencing this global pandemic in different ways, many have found relief using some well-known, simple health measures.

One of the most common searched for questions on the internet today is, “how do I stay healthy during this pandemic?”

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of popular tips on how to stay healthy in mind and body during this unprecedented time.

 

Stick to a Daily Health Routine

1. Decide What Needs to be in Your Routine

Do you want to get more exercise, be more healthy by focusing on nutritious foods, read more books, or more alone time? Prioritizing what is important to you before starting is key to achieving your goals in the end.

2. Set Small and Measurable Goals

While a big goal is exciting to achieve, it is what often leads to failure as we often take on too much. If your overall goal is to eat healthier meals (which will help your gut and boost your immune system), start by changing one thing a day, every day, to build confidence so that it will eventually lead to a habit.

3. Be Prepared Every Day

When deciding upon a new goal, make sure you put aside time and the resources needed to start and maintain your routine, this will make it easier to get started without any delay.

4. Track Your Progress.

Create a visual calendar that you can cross off each day when you completed your task. Most people don’t want to “break the chain” and see a missing spot on their calendar.

Make Time for Fitness

Physical activity helps to flush bacteria out of the lungs, decreasing your chances of getting a cold, flu, or other illness.

Exercise also reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.

Also, just getting up every so often to walk around, do household chores, or simple stretches can help with increasing blood flow, improving concentration, enhancing immunity, and lowering anxiety.

To find out more about staying fit during the lockdown, click here

 

Eat Nutritious Foods

Good food is good fuel for our bodies, and bad food is bad fuel for our bodies. The best way to fend off sickness is to make sure our bodies are strong enough to do so by feeding it the correct nutrients such as lean protein, flow carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables high in antioxidants, foods high in omega 3’s, and healthy fats.

Get Enough Quality Sleep

An adult needs at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Not only can lack of sleep lead to weight gain, irritability, and poor focus, it can also tank your immune system and make it hard for your body to fight off infections.

If there are factors outside of your control affecting your sleep, make time to take naps, which can help make up the difference.

 

Find a Healthy Balance in Relation to Media Coverage

Being exposed to regular and large volumes of negative information can heighten feelings of anxiety.

While it’s important to stay informed, you may find it useful to limit your media intake if it is making you stressed, sad, or upsetting you or your family.

 

Don’t Forget Vitamins

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps with the production and function of immune cells that attack viruses and bacteria. Citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and kiwi are all very good sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D stimulates the body’s first line of defense by increasing the number and activity of cells that attack invading pathogens.

Vitamin D is harder to obtain through diet, although it can be found in fatty fishes like salmon, mackerel, and sardines.

Zinc

Zinc is essential for immune cell maintenance and development. Deficiency of this micronutrient can cause cells to break down and malfunction. Seeds, nuts, eggs, red meat, and beans are all good sources of zinc.

 

What to Avoid

Avoid Sugary Foods

Don’t eat sweets or foods high in sugar because they negatively stimulate your moods and also makes you put on unnecessary weight.

Snack mindfully and try to choose food packed with resistant starch that fills you up such as nuts or fruits.

Avoid Drinking Unhealthy Beverages or Coffee High in Sugar

Since being isolated and socially distant could trigger some depression and anxiety in some cases, try to not drink too much alcohol or beverages high in sugar. Too much caffeine also results in caffeine jitters, sleeplessness, and even diarrhea.

Don’t Give Into Unhealthy Cravings

Giving in to an unhealthy craving during this pandemic has become easier. Make a plan to counter your cravings by setting up a healthier alternative.

Avoid Unnecessary Distractions

Watching the news, sleeping the whole day, or spending your day and nights on social media is not helpful to your brain or your body.

For some, calming and creative activities like reading, cooking, and gardening are helpful distractions that can also be turned into a new hobby.