Warning! Just as Important as Washing Your Hands!!!

The coronavirus outbreak, which has seen a rising death toll and forced many countries to take extra precautions, continues to spread rapidly. Beyond official measures, individuals also bear a great responsibility to protect themselves. Sofra/Compass Group Turkey Country Dietitian Emel Terzioğlu Arslan says that viruses like this actually serve as a warning, and that beyond the well-known basic precautions, what truly matters is reassessing one's quality of life. 

The coronavirus, which originated in China and has caused fear and anxiety in our country as well, has a remarkably strong viral effect. For this reason, the virus quickly became a global threat. The first precaution to take against this disease — which spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, close contact, and even droplets released into the air during conversation — should focus on preventing transmission. Emel Terzioğlu Arslan emphasizes the importance of avoiding close contact as much as possible, and notes that washing hands frequently, wearing a mask, and covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing are simple but life-saving measures. However, there is something even more important to pay attention to: building a natural, balanced, and strong nutritional habit to boost the immune system and improve quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of the disease?

The coronavirus generally causes upper respiratory tract infections in humans. Symptoms resulting from the spread of the disease may include mild cold-like signs such as runny nose, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and sluggishness, as well as more severe symptoms such as abdominal bloating, vision problems, balance issues, extreme weight loss, and serious respiratory distress. While many people may experience symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, some may also show digestive system issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

"The body's immune system should be strengthened by improving quality of life."

It is a well-known fact that currently available antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Therefore, individuals need to be much more careful. Natural nutrition and a strong immune system are thus the first line of defense we should turn to in order to protect ourselves from illness. Arslan, who notes that it is possible to take preventive measures through balanced and strong nutrition against a virus that spreads more quickly and easily in people with weakened immunity, explains the key points as follows: "The body's immune system should be strengthened by improving quality of life — that is, through healthy eating. Fruits with high antioxidant capacity such as kiwi, pomegranate, red berries, tangerines, and oranges, as well as vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, arugula, Swiss chard, parsley, celery, onion, and garlic should be consumed in abundance. Consuming vegetables with antibiotic properties, such as onion and garlic, has a protective effect on the body against infections. We must protect our bodies — especially our intestines — against symptoms that could be fatal. Since the intestines are the main center through which the body's immune system is managed, they are among the most important organs to protect from the virus. Protecting intestinal flora increases the body's resistance and helps the metabolism function more healthily. For this reason, probiotic foods such as kefir and yogurt should be consumed, or equivalent supplements should be taken." 

"The right spices and oat consumption are also effective"

Arslan, pointing out that spices are among the other foods that help the immune system function strongly, adds: "Ginger — one of the most preferred spice types in the treatment of colds — along with turmeric, with its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds, plays a very significant role in strengthening the immune system. Consuming oats is also highly beneficial for boosting the body's resistance thanks to the beta-glucan it contains. Finally, the most important and effective method of protection against all diseases, and the coronavirus in particular, is drinking water. Staying away from alcohol, cigarettes, and stress, getting good sleep, and exercising also help strengthen the immune system by improving quality of life."  

In summary, to protect against epidemic diseases with a stronger immune system:

• Fruits with high antioxidant capacity such as kiwi, pomegranate, red berries, tangerines, and oranges, and vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, arugula, Swiss chard, parsley, and celery,

• Vegetables with antibiotic properties such as onion and garlic,

• Probiotic foods such as kefir and yogurt to boost intestinal flora,

• Ginger and turmeric, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds,

• And plenty of water should be consumed. 

• Alcohol, cigarettes, and stress should be avoided, 

• Quality sleep and plenty of exercise are also very important.