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Boosting Immunity

Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables can help to boost the immune system. Photo: Provided
Thomas C. Famous. Photo: Provided
Thomas C. Famous. Photo: Provided
Thomas C. Famous

A few days ago a very good friend of mine, Mr Jamel Hardtman posted something on Facebook that grabbed the attention of quite a few people.

Jamel stated that governments around the world are missing the boat in informing people to increase their healthy food intake and exercising during this ongoing pandemic.

Essentially, whilst governments have been emphasising the needed guidelines for COVID-19 mitigation such as; wearing masks, social distancing, and immunisations, they should also be helping persons to focus on boosting their immunity.

This is indeed a very valid point, as there can never be too much focus on better diet and health.

Freedom of choice

What is a bit ironic is that a few years ago, the Minister of Health Kim Wilson had launched a multiyear campaign on the ongoing epidemics of; obesity, diabetes, kidney failure and hypertension.

A lot of emphasis was put on explaining the dangers of too much sugar intake and the need for Bermudians to get out and get active.

Many began to take heed and modify their diets.

Whilst others took to social media to complain that the government has no right to tell people what they should or should not eat. If they wanted to eat fast foods and chocolates every day, it was their democratic right to do so.

There is no one who can argue against this point.

Life is about options and personal responsibility. If someone wants to consume sodas and other sweetened drinks versus a healthy intake of water that is their right.

They just need to understand that they will spend more of their disposable income on these items. More importantly, they will, in both the short and long term, do their bodies damage.

That is not scaremongering, those are simple facts.

Sugar addictions

We have to accept that as a region we are collectively addicted to fast foods, salts and sugars in all of its multiple forms.

Whether it be in the drinks that we buy daily, the syrup we layer on those pancakes and waffles, the extra salt that we request on our French fries or the fancy pastries we gleefully purchase from our favourite bakeries.

Over the last year, many of us have ordered more take out foods, consumed more sugary snacks and drank more alcohol.

The net result has been that many, too many, in the region, have gained weight and more dangerously, have taken one or two steps closer to becoming a statistic, in regards to our tens of thousands suffering from diabetes, heart conditions and hypertension.

All of this leads to more Caribbean nationals dying from avoidable complications related to; obesity, diabetes and hypertension than those with COVID related deaths.

Boosting immunity

Health ministries, around the region, must continue to put emphasis on the dangers of too much of certain foods and drinks.

As importantly, we all should know some of the key ways to boost our immunity, including the following:

  • Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables
  • Increasing Vitamin C intake via citrus fruits
  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • drink only in moderation
  • Get adequate sleep.

At the end of the day, it is up to individuals and individuals alone, to make the right decisions for their own health.

3 Responses to “Boosting Immunity”

  • DON Q (14/04/2021, 01:02) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    I sticking to the vaccine
    • The Bulls*** (15/04/2021, 22:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

      You Not Serving GOD So Ntn You Say Ain Make Sense...Your #1 Priority is to "Put GOD FIRST"

  • FEO GOMEZ (14/04/2021, 03:23) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply

    No comments on this why? Because who wants to eat good and boost the immune system to fight the effects of Covid. I want to live slothful be a big greasy fat ##$&*k or be a drug alcoholic abuser and just take 2 shots of crap in my body and I will beat Covid. Lol



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