Take extra precautions to boost immunity when fasting during COVID-19
Experts warn that while fasting has great health benefits, those pursuing fasting for health or religious reasons should take additional precautions to boost their immunity during Covid-19.
Currently, over 1.9 billion Muslims globally are observing Ramadaan, a month of fasting and although there is no evidence to suggest it is unsafe to fast during Covid-19, experts warn that high risk individuals or those who do fall ill should be extra cautious, consult their doctors and terminate their fast if necessary.
Health expert Vanessa Ascencao said that fasting is shown to impact positively on blood sugar and blood pressure levels, heart health, weight management, brain function and metabolism but patients with fever and prolonged illness could become severely dehydrated and are at greater risk of contracting illnesses in these circumstances.
Ascencao said, “Fasting, whether for healthy or religious reasons is a good time to try to shift your perspective on health to a holistic view that includes physical, spiritual, mental, and social wellbeing.”
She recommends that those fasting should stay hydrated, consume a nutritious diet, use high quality supplements and follow a healthy lifestyle to help boost immunity.
Avoid overeating and nourish the body with whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, plant-based protein, healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avos and olive oil, and modest amounts high quality organic poultry, meat, fish and eggs.
Avoid foods that are damaging to the body such as fried or processed foods, sugary foods or drinks, refined carbohydrates such as cakes, biscuits or sweets, and stimulants such as caffeine and cigarettes.
Eat foods that help boost immunity, exercise regularly and practise deep breathing or meditation. Avoid stress and take high quality supplements such as BetterYou DLux vitamin D oral spray, proven to work better than pills, Biomax Liposomal Vitamin C, more potent than standard supplements due to liposomal technology, Bio-Berberine Complex which contains SA green tea extract, Origine 8, berberine and chromium to help regulate blood sugar levels, counter cravings and help fight disease and Bio-Curcumin the most potent curcumin extract available.