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How To Boost Your IMMUNE SYSTEM To The Max While Training Jiu Jitsu

How To Boost Your IMMUNE SYSTEM To The Max While Training Jiu Jitsu

The Coronavirus pandemic has made everyone worried, regardless of their career, hobbies and other activities in life. The reason behind this is simple; no matter the activity, you first have to be healthy enough to do it. And now, with the colder weather and the flu season coming at a steady pace – it’s important more than ever to stay healthy… So that you can, among other things, continue training BJJ!
That’s where the necessity of having a strong immune system kicks in. Take a look at the advice for strengthening it below – and be healthier the very next time your roll.

 

CONTINUE TRAINING…

Wonderfully enough, one of the best things that you can do for your immune system is to continue training BJJ. Or, if BJJ isn’t available because of restrictions at the moment, do something else – but make it a point to do some sort of exercise. As simple as that!
It’s long been said that regular exercise can boost your immune system’s ability to fight off disease; predominantly because it increases blood flow, reduces stress and inflammation, as well as strengthens antibodies. In other words: Jiu Jitsu will allow your immune cells to continue working as they should, and will make them even more efficient!

 

…BUT GET ADEQUATE SLEEP AS WELL

Now, while exercise is important, your immune system also needs adequate rest from it. And the best form of rest is – you know it – sleep!
Playing yourself short on sleep will deprive your immune system’s ability to fight off infections. More specifically, as you sleep, there’s a certain type of protein being produced; the so-called cytokines. This is the protein which targets infection and inflammation; and if you don’t get enough shut-eye, it won’t be made as much!

So, close the curtains and get some sleep. Your cytokines and Jiu Jitsu will thank you!

 

EAT AND LIVE HEALTHY

Surprise, surprise: you should be eating healthy if you want your immune system to step up when necessary! But the thing is that a lot of athletes know this already; and yet they aren’t making any diet changes whatsoever.

Look. If you want not only to stay healthy, but to reach your full potential in Jiu Jitsu, you need to make some changes in your diet. You need to begin eating healthier: eat more fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grain foods. These will grant you the needed vitamins, minerals and fibers; all of which are so often missing in the athlete’s diet.
Additionally, consider supplementing with vitamins, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin D. For example, „Google“ the advantages of Vitamin D for a bit; you’ll see why you should immediately start taking in more of it.

Also, make sure that your lifestyle is as healthy as well. Quit smoking – you know it’s bad for you, so why keep doing it? Reduce drinking; yes, it tastes good, but it isn’t helping your health in the slightest bit.
Pairing this with the eating healthy part will boost your immune system to a new all-time high, as well as your Jiu Jitsu!

 

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HYGIENE

And finally, something which you’ve heard quite a lot since starting BJJ and even more in the past few months: shower regularly and wash your hands more often than you do right now. The first will keep you clean from those pesky skin infections, whereas the second one will keep your general health in order.
It doesn’t take much to stay healthy and to strengthen your immune system; you just have to take these and all abovementioned steps as soon as possible.

Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.

Welcome to SLOTH Jiu-jitsu – the ultimate programme for conserving energy, utilising body weight and taking your time! An especially effective strategy for older or less athletic competitors, but suitable and highly recommended for all jiu-jitsu practitioners. 12 chapters taught in person by 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt Gile Huni.