There is no doubt that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting every aspect of our lives—from virtual classrooms to telecommuting to early restaurant closing times to outright quarantines. Observing public health measures and reducing exposure to the virus are required to slow the spread of this disease. No one knows how long these virus safety measures will need to stay in place, but it presents a perfect time to protect and improve your health while practicing social distancing. Healthy eating and getting your body in shape is especially important for keeping your immune system in top condition. Here are some steps you can take to stay healthy in the times of COVID.

  1. Maintain cardio fitness, which will increase capillary and red blood cell counts. Lift weights if possible. There are lots of things you can do with just bodyweight. Move.
  2. Don’t be low in iron but also don’t overdo it either.

  3. Keep taking your medicines unless an MD says to stop.

  4. Eat less often during the day. It’s a good idea to practice intermittent fasting and skip at least one meal, breakfast is easiest, and eat sensibly at other meals.

  5. Avoid super intense exercise or long-term fasting.

  6. Take 2500 – 5000 IU of vitamin D3 a day, which doctors say keeps your immune system in good shape.

  7. Keep blood sugar levels in check by avoiding sugar and processed grains.

  8. Focus on plants. Meats should include fish, preferably on the low end of the food chain to avoid heavy metals.

  9. Eat colored plants, either fresh or snap-frozen, and don’t overcook them. They contain xenohormetic molecules that activate cell defenses.

  10. Include nuts, avocado, and olive oil in your diet. Oleic acid from these foods will activate SIRT1, the defense enzyme, the same way resveratrol does (fasting also liberates oleic acid from fat stores).

  11. Keep humidity up in the home to maintain airway health and mucus. If your house isn’t humidified, get a humidifier for the bedroom.

  12. Turn off breaking news channels (ALL of them!) Read a book. Listen to a podcast or make something.  Learn to cook!

  13. Get sufficient sleep. Avoid screens at night. Avoid big meals and alcohol near bedtime. If you use your phone in bed, wear blue-light blocking glasses.