How Do Cancer Patients Boost Their Immune System During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

“Generally you want to have a nice strong immune system. I think that’s true just in general in life, and certainly in this era of COVID,” Dr. Stephen Freedland, a urologist and the Director of the Center for Integrated Research in Cancer and Lifestyle at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, tells SurvivorNet.

Some of Dr. Freedland’s tips for keeping your immune system strong include:

• Having a healthy sleep schedule
• Not smoking
• Avoiding foods that cause inflammation (simple sugars found in products such as cookies, cakes, candies & soda)
• Consuming a diet high in fruits & veggies and lean meats
• Exercising at and/or around home if possible (push-ups, sit-ups, going for a walk)

“There are certain states where you can still go outside to get some exercise,” Dr. Freedland notes. “I wouldn’t rush to the beach along with everyone else. But to go take a walk, walk around the house, do some push-ups or sit-ups … whatever you can do to maintain your own healthy regiment, or starting a new one in this tough time.”

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