OBESITY IS A MAJOR RISK FOR DEVELOPING COVID-19
In the crazy times in which we find ourselves, many are seeking strategies to avoid getting sick. Staying home, wearing masks and avoiding close contact are at the top of the list of guidelines. These social distancing mandates are all backed by science and deserve to be followed. However, there are other things you can do to avoid the dreaded virus that is certain to be with us in the foreseeable future.
In recent blogs we have suggested ideas on how to boost your immune system. The relationship between the nervous system, the gut and your immune system is receiving a lot of attention. At Back in Motion Chiropractic in Daphne, our doctor is experienced in detecting and removing interference to strengthen the parts of the nervous system components related to gut function.
It bears repeating that the physical location of up to 80% of your immune system resides in the mucosal lining of the small intestine. Leaky gut syndrome is now recognized as a serious condition that can compromise our immunity and make us more likely to fall victim to illness, not only viruses but autoimmune complications like IBS and fibromyalgia. In the past decade, public awareness of 'leaky gut" has increased. Almost everyone has seen advertisements for acidophilus supplementation to restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut. We now know that we not only need to get ourselves in better shape but find ways to strengthen our immune systems with a better diet and supplementation.
OBESITY AS A RISK FOR COVID-19
Research has confirmed that excess belly fat puts you at much greater risk for contracted the virus. In a study of 17,000 hospital patients with Covid-19 patients in the UK, those with a body mass of more than 30 had a 33% greater risk of dying. This finding seems to confirm that fat cells have properties that attract and enhance viral growth. High density lipids in fat cells have been called a ‘launching pad” that feeds not only viruses but cancer cells.
To avoid Covid-19, you can either stay totally on the defensive by isolating yourself or you can get proactive get yourself in better shape. More specifically, you must lose the belly fat. In the next blog I will discuss a strategy that may help to make your weight loss program more effective.