How does Golden Week in 2020 compare to this year's Golden Week?
In 2020, it felt like the harsh depths of winter, with hardly anyone venturing outside. With the subsiding of COVID-19, people are once again enjoying travel just like in the old days. Fukuoka, influenced by the weak yen, is bustling with many foreigners, and the streets are lined with signs in English, Chinese, Korean, and more.
What have we learned over these past four years? If a similar pandemic were to occur again, would we be better equipped to handle it than before?
This spring, many people are suffering from allergies other than hay fever. But if your current health condition is influenced by COVID-19, how does that affect you?
While I'm not particularly well-versed in economics or systems, I believe there are some insights I can share on health-related matters. So today, I'd like to focus on immunity and diet.
When immunity declines, several problems arise. How has your body been these past few years? Listen to your body's signals as you read through the following points:
Increased susceptibility to infections: A weakened immune system diminishes the body's ability to resist viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens, making one more prone to illnesses like colds, flu, and bacterial infections.
Aggravation of recurrent or chronic infections: With weakened immunity, previously experienced infections are more likely to recur. Chronic infections or viral diseases may also worsen.
Development of autoimmune diseases: Impaired immune function increases the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues or cells, leading to symptoms such as arthritis, lupus, or Crohn's disease.
Heightened allergic reactions: Lowered immunity can lead to increased allergic responses, with the body exhibiting exaggerated reactions to external stimuli or allergens, worsening conditions like allergic rhinitis, asthma, or dermatitis.
Increased risk of cancer: The immune system plays a role in eliminating cancer cells. A weakened immune system may fail to inhibit the growth or spread of cancer cells, increasing the risk of cancer.
Increased fatigue and lethargy: A weakened immune system requires more energy for the body to fight pathogens or foreign substances. This can result in increased fatigue and lethargy, affecting daily life.
If you find yourself fitting any of these descriptions, it's essential to gradually adopt healthier lifestyle habits.
Today, I'll share one simple method you can start with: reconsidering your diet. While this may sound like stating the obvious, how many people are truly practicing it?
Attempting to overhaul your entire diet at once may not be sustainable. Therefore, it's important to take one step at a time. When I successfully lost 13 kilograms through dieting, I didn't try to do everything at once. Instead, I started with achievable actions, gradually lowering the hurdles, and then moved on to the next step once I could maintain the routine.
Let's consider the common vegetable, carrots.
Carrots are rich in nutrients, including beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, K, and potassium. Beta-carotene, in particular, is known for its characteristic orange pigment in carrots and its antioxidant properties, which contribute to boosting immunity. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, enhancing immune function. Immunity plays a crucial role in protecting the body from infections and inflammation. The immune system works collaboratively, with cells and tissues combating pathogens to maintain overall health. Beta-carotene supports this immune system, enhancing resistance to infections.
Carrots are a supportive ingredient for the immune system, but how can they be cooked for maximum effectiveness?
While carrots retain their nutritional value whether eaten raw or cooked, heating them increases the absorption of beta-carotene in the body. Particularly as a fat-soluble nutrient, beta-carotene is better absorbed when consumed with oil. Whether you prefer cooked carrots or wish to eat them raw, adding olive oil to salads or lightly cooking them enhances the absorption of beta-carotene.
Today, cooking carrots is by no means difficult. If you've been indulging in convenience store or restaurant fare, why not buy some carrots and try cooking them yourself? They're sold for as little as 98 yen for a bundle of three at the local greengrocer's. It's an affordable first step that anyone can take. Additionally, spinach, broccoli, garlic, and red bell peppers are examples of foods that can boost immunity, so consider incorporating them into your meals tomorrow and beyond. By gradually changing your diet, your body will gradually become stronger.
【Recipe of Carrot and Date Cake】
https://www.reddibird.com/%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%94%E9%9B%86/
【Delicious dates】
