Lifestyle and health habits

Our lives changed suddenly more than a month ago.

Our schedules, routines, and plans were frozen by the spread of COVID-19. And this dramatic and unexpected change has demanded rapid adaptation and, above all, a great deal of civic responsibility, commitment, and love for ourselves and others.

For me, health has always been very important, something I've valued immensely. This has led me to develop a passion for medicinal foods and cooking, which have contributed to my daily well-being. During these days of confinement, I'm very aware that my health is no longer just my concern, but that my state of health can directly affect my family, colleagues, clients, or people I encounter in my daily life.

As part of the Mediterranean Health team, and working directly with clients, I feel a great sense of commitment and responsibility. This has led me to a greater awareness of the fact that the pillars of our health are the healthy lifestyle habits we practice.

These habits are the support of our vital force to be able to face pathogens, in this case a powerful, highly contagious virus that does not understand sex, age, or social condition and that, in addition, has the power to develop asymptomatically, which further aggravates the situation we are experiencing.

Maintaining strict hygiene and self-isolation measures (in my case, I only go out to work and use the commute to do my shopping once a week), focusing entirely on nutrition, exercise, entertainment, and rest are the pillars I rely on daily to keep my immune system strong. Let me tell you a little about each of them.

Hygiene measures. In addition to washing my hands very frequently with soap (this is extremely important), wearing gloves (which I also sanitize when I'm in the shop and handling money, products, etc.), and a mask, I'm being very careful with my respiratory hygiene, using nasal rinses with a neti pot and seawater for thorough cleaning. I also ensure good ventilation in the house and use essential oils of eucalyptus , pine , or ravintsara in diffusers to inhale their beneficial active ingredients for the respiratory system. 

Nutrition. The digestive system is the foundation of the immune system. The bacteria and all the substances produced in the gut are involved in the immune response. In my diet, I prioritize immune-boosting foods. I include fermented foods in all my meals, which are rich in probiotics and have high enzymatic power, especially miso and unpasteurized sauerkraut, and umeboshi plums, the latter of which I use in dressings. I've increased my consumption of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, red cabbage, cauliflower, daikon radish, kohlrabi, kale, and arugula (which, luckily, I grow myself). Along with these, I don't forget other delicious and nutritious vegetables like pumpkin, zucchini, green beans, carrots, spinach, shiitake mushrooms, and spirulina and kombu algae . And, of course, onions and garlic, two basic medicinal foods, are essential at home. 

I create all sorts of combinations and preparations to enrich my diet, and I never forget the spices: thyme , oregano , cardamom , turmeric , ginger , rosemary , sage … which add a deliciously healthy touch to all my recipes. Fruit is a daily staple: kiwis, grapefruits, apples, berries, and my daily portion of nuts and seeds.

I always place great importance on my hydration and, at this stage, I have incorporated more herbal infusions to which I usually add propolis.

Since I have to leave home and go to work, I'm supplementing my diet with a series of supplements: quercetin , an important antioxidant and antiviral flavonoid, vitamin D3 , also key for immunity (and even more necessary now that we're spending so much time at home), vitamin C , a great help for the immune system, and a spore probiotic, B-Coagulans, to strengthen my gut microbiota.

Physical exercise. Before the lockdown, I practiced yoga and Pilates at a studio for four hours a week. Now, I do a daily asana session and a Pilates session at home, which I schedule myself, very aware of the importance of exercise for boosting immunity. In fact, regular moderate exercise reduces the risk of infection. Furthermore, practicing at home with my partner makes me feel good emotionally, something so important during this serious health and social crisis we are experiencing. 

Entertainment. I always have something to do or watch, and now with the lockdown, I have even more time for it. From quietly enjoying my favorite music, watching a series or movie (I prefer comedies; laughter is so therapeutic), continuing with my book, writing, or making progress on my crochet projects. Entertainment brings me relaxation, rest, and a sense of well-being, all of which are very beneficial for boosting my immune system. Talking to my parents, family, and friends, now that we can't see each other, has also taken on a very special importance that warms my heart. Long live video calls! (I never thought I'd say that).

Rest. I've always had great respect for my need to rest, to sleep well, to take time to disconnect and relax. The current situation of uncertainty, the abrupt change in routines, the bad news, and the worry for my loved ones have made me take even greater care of my sleep hygiene. In addition to having a set schedule, every day in the late afternoon I practice Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, a type of balancing pranayama that purifies the nadis and requires total concentration on the breathing process and counting the duration of each breath. It brings me great tranquility that helps me prepare for sleep. Now I practice it every day, and I've noticed a difference.

These are very difficult times for everyone, but at the same time, they are important times to learn to take care of oneself, to understand what is truly important in life, and to understand that maintaining healthy lifestyle habits (at a digestive, mental, and physical level) is key to supporting our vital force; the force that makes it possible for one person to develop a disease and another not under the same conditions. 

I don't want to close this article without first thanking all the people who are working to take care of us, who are fighting every day to help others. And also our customers, who thank us for being there and for their concern for our health. Thank you so much! With commitment, empathy, and solidarity, we will overcome this situation.

This post is for personal and informational purposes only, and in no way replaces the recommendations and/or consultations with your doctor or physician.