Frontline workers have dedicated countless hours to the care and recovery of the COVID 19 patients throughout the country. They have offered themselves selflessly to the community and have sacrificed their own needs in turn.
With the current pandemic outbreak and the increasingly stressful working conditions, it can be easy for front line workers to forget to take care of themselves.
In the midst of chaos, self-care is often forgotten. In the case of our front line and essential workers this is especially true.
The fact of the matter is that the health and general well-being of front-line workers is important, and through the uncertain times that we are in, their health must also be held in high priority.
Due to the long working hours, increased levels of stress, dehydration, exhaustion and likely a poorly balanced diet, it is not uncommon given the current circumstances for workers to suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
A goal of improving their immune system and immune response through diet and supplements can help combat the nutritional and health imbalances that front-line workers may face.
What do our immune systems need to function optimally?
Our immune systems are complex, and require a combination of nutrients, minerals and vitamins in order to perform optimally. A diet low in these compounds could make workers more susceptible to infections and illness.
Front-line workers in the health care industry are at an increased risk for contracting the COVID- 19 infection versus the general public. Because of this, it is possible that they may require even higher levels of vitamins and minerals than what is recommended for the general population.
What nutrients should we focus on?
For front-line workers, boosting the immune system is key. Vitamins such as vitamin C and D play an important part in maintaining a strong immune system. Vitamin A, B3, and folic acid are also key components to a healthy immune system.
There are also many compounds that contribute to a healthy immune system to help decrease the risk of falling ill with infections. These include compounds such as probiotics and Omega 3 fatty acids, just to name a few.
Should Front-line workers use supplements?
Ideally, you can get the majority of vitamins and nutrients from a well-balanced diet. For those working on the front-line of this pandemic, a balanced diet may not always be realistic.
Supplements can be a great option for front line workers, especially those who work in stressful environments for long hours in the day.
Vitamin C, D and Zinc are the supplements that should get the most focus when boosting the immune system, and supplementing with those are a great place to start.
What if I can’t use supplements?
While supplements are a great way to get the nutrients that your body need when day to day life becomes too hectic, you can still achieve the same benefits from eating a balanced diet without supplementation.
Foods that can help boost our immune systems include:
- Fatty Fish, poultry, eggs and shellfish.
- Dark leafy greens, beans and fruit rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Yogurt, fermented foods.
- Nuts, Flax seed and berries.
- And of course, regular water intake (this is especially true for front-line workers who may forget to drink water during their shift and suffer from dehydration.
Our front-line workers dedicate their time and effort to caring for our community. In the recent months, they have all gone above and beyond their call of duty, and our communities have them to thank for seeing us through this Pandemic. The health and well-being of those front line workers should not be forgotten.
