As Australia’s trusted home care provider, Right at Home shares information for carers about how to support the immunity of your loved one during the second wave of COVID 19 in our communities.

As suggested in our one of our previous Blogs, serve well balanced meals with whole grains, vegetables, and fruits in good amounts. Meat portions should be smaller to keep the consumption of saturated fat in check.

Wash hands regularly especially when preparing meals for your loved ones.

Supporting Gut Health for Immunity

According to Tim Spector, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London in an article he wrote for the Conversation, research has shown that the gut microbiome plays an essential role in the body’s immune response to infection and in maintaining overall health. Microbiome is the name given to trillions of microbes living in your gut. A healthy gut microbiome is one where there is a diversity of microbes containing many different species that each play their part in immunity and health. As well as responding to infectious pathogens like Coronavirus, a healthy gut microbiome also helps to prevent potentially dangerous immune over-reactions that damage the lungs and other vital organs.

The article by Professor Spector explains that microbiome diversity declines as we get older, which it says, may explain some of the age-related changes in immunity. This indicates that it is even more necessary to maintain a healthy microbiome throughout life especially in our older years.

Professor Spector explains that the food you eat has a big impact on type of microbes in the gut and suggests the best way to increase microbiome diversity is by eating a wide range of plant-based foods, which are high in fibre, and limiting ultra-processed foods.

Foods and activity to proactively support your gut health

Besides choosing a wide range of foods high in fibre, fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meat and oily fish, you can also eat foods known to support your gut such as natural yoghurt and artisan cheeses, which contain live microbes called probiotics.

Another source of natural probiotics are bacteria and yeast-rich drinks like kefir (fermented milk) or kombucha (fermented tea) and fermented vegetable-based foods, such as Korean kimchi and German sauerkraut and sourdough bread.

If you are concerned about getting hold of fresh produce while practising social distancing, frozen fruit, berries and vegetables are just as healthy as fresh ones and will last much longer as will canned beans and pulses.

Stay physically active and get enough sleep as this will also help to keep your immune system healthy.

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links:

Australian Government Department of Health

Victorian Health and Human Services

NSW Health

Queensland Health

ACT Health

WA Department of Health

Tasmanian Department of Health

Northern Territory Department of Health

SA Health

Right Care Right at Home - Caring for Loved Ones at Home

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and have a comprehensive portfolio of care services that ensure your loved ones get the care they need. Right at Home also provides care through the NDIS disability scheme. If you or someone you love needs care due to changed conditions because of Coronavirus, we have capacity so give us a call. Our number one priority is the safety of our staff and clients, and we follow strict hygiene and safety protocols. 

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Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care) and adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website.

Right at Home Offices in Australia: Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney North West; Sydney The Hills; Padstow St George; Macarthur Penrith; Newcastle; Hunter & Port Stephens;  Southern NSW; Toowoomba- Darling Downs; Sunshine Coast; Mackay; Central Queensland; Townsville; Far North Queensland;  Gold Coast South; Gold Coast North; Northern Rivers; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt;