The health scares surrounding COVID-19 have all of us thinking about immune system strength.
When you think about boosting your immune system, the first things that come to mind are likely healthy eating, adequate rest, taking vitamins, or reducing stress. Even though we’ve all heard the advice “get plenty of fluids,” it’s easy to take the importance of drinking enough water for granted. It’s a fact you’ve been hearing since school … “Your body is made up of as much as 70% water.” With all that water in our bodies, it’s no surprise that hydration is important on many levels—including the health of our immune system.
Your body’s immune system is your first line of defence against disease, and water is a secret weapon you need to stay healthy.
Drinking water oxygenates your cells, which allows them to work at full capacity and protect you from viruses more effectively. Hydration also helps your body regulate its temperature, so it’s even more essential to drink plenty of water if you start to come down with a fever.
Finally, hydration helps the body distribute nutrients to all of its parts, and it keeps your tissues and body functions working properly—which naturally helps you fight off infections more effectively. Drinking plenty of water helps your body remove more germs through mucus loss without risking dehydration.
“Your best defence against dehydration is prevention’. Follow these tips to stay safe and healthy:
- Don’t wait till you’re thirsty to drink: By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already slightly dehydrated. Sip water steadily throughout the day and drink more fluids than usual when the weather is hot.
- Flavour your water: If plain water tastes boring to you, you can add flavour with fresh fruits.
- Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables: Certain fruits and vegetables contain plenty of water in addition to healthful nutrients. Watermelon, strawberries, peaches and pineapples are fruits with high-water content. Water-rich vegetables include cucumbers, leafy greens, radishes, celery and tomatoes.
- Stay inside when it gets too hot: On very hot days, stay indoors. Avoid sun exposure, especially between 10 am and 2 pm, when the rays are strongest.
- Dress for the weather: Wear light, loose-fitting clothing that lets your skin breathe. Dark colors absorb heat, so stick with lighter shades. Wear a wide-brimmed hat in the sun to keep your head cool and use sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
- Be aware of the signs of dehydration: A good way to determine if you need to drink more water is to check the color of your urine. The darker your urine is, the more water you need to drink. If your urine is light or has no color, then you are well hydrated. Other signs of dehydration include fatigue, dry mouth, headache, and dizziness.
Aside from practicing good personal hygiene, like washing your hands, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, wearing a mask and following a healthy diet, staying hydrated plays a huge role in keeping your immune system strong and helping you stay well.
Drinking water won’t prevent you from contracting the coronavirus or any other illness, but it will help you and your family stay healthy.
-Dr. Divya Vaz