Prepare your body to fight COVID-19

Seems like a dream. One day we woke up to discover a world that didn’t seem like the one we were used to. Nothing seemed the way we had left it the previous night. And just by the time we woke up, looks like the unseen enemy COVID-19 had already set its footprint around the globe. The outbreak of COVID-19 since January has been catastrophic for the entire world and for all we know the post COVID world will not be the same- economically, financially or socially.

Social distancing is the new norm and our only chance of survival, although we are learning it the harder way. Public facilities and services have been closed or limited throughout the world. It is being said that the chances of being in contact to the virus is far greater in gyms or health clubs than in any other public place. Indeed, a dampener for fitness enthusiasts!

Even during this phase of lock down, when the access to gyms and the fitness centers is not recommended, it is necessary to stay home and stay fit at the same time. According to World Health Organization (WHO) ‘If you are not regularly active start slowly and with low intensity activities and increase in with time’. WHO recommends the people to do a light 10-15 mins walk inside their home or in the compound of their residence, gradually increasing the time duration to 40-45 mins as this will keep the body fit and active.

As we all know these basic exercises have profound impact on our immune system, it is very important to exercise daily and eat a proper diet to boost the immune system. During the non-workout period the Glucocorticoids increases in the body and can inhibit the immune functioning of the body. Glucocorticoids are the part of feedback mechanism of the body’s immune system and over production of these causes depleting of the immunity cells. Each round of exercise, particularly whole-body dynamic cardiorespiratory exercise, the high interval training or heavy functional training, instantaneously mobilizes billions of immune cells. The immune cells that are mobilized with exercise recuse the production of the Glucocorticoids in the body and hence increase the immunity of the body again. Exercise also helps to releases various proteins that can maintain immunity of the body, particularly muscle-derived cytokines such as IL6, IL7 and IL15.

I urge you all to treat this period of social distancing as some extra time to boost your immunity. Maintain the regular fitness of the body and do exercises on a regular basis to prepare your body against this pandemic situation. Use good quality supplements that help compliment your regular diet and add essential nutrients.

In this time of uncertainty, we should do every bit to fight the disease and emerge stronger and victorious.

Shrey Mittal

(Shrey Mittal is the founder of Koshika Wellness Pvt. Ltd. A young entrepreneur, he has been working relentlessly in the field of health and wellness with his innovative range of products customised for the Indian fitness enthusiasts)