With the onset of winter, flu and cold season is here once again. While most of us will probably just grudgingly accept this fact and make sure that we stock up on our favorite flu-fighting foods and supplements, there are others who may require a more proactive approach to keeping their immune system healthy all year round. Many of us are not as fortunate as others in the sense that our immune system does not respond particularly well to certain stressors that it’s exposed to on a daily basis. Many people struggle with low immunity from time to time, but for some, this can be a persistent problem that needs addressing sooner rather than later. Luckily, boosting your immune system is easier than you think! There are plenty of simple things you can do every day to help keep your body strong and healthy during the winter months or any other time of the year.
Stay hydrated
One of the simplest ways to boost your immune system is to stay hydrated. When your body is dehydrated, it reduces the number of white blood cells that are naturally produced by your bone marrow in order to prioritize moisture retention. Fewer white blood cells means your immune system will be less able to fight off infection and disease. This is particularly important during the winter months as we are exposed to more dry indoor air and cold temperatures, both of which cause our bodies to lose more water than normal. There are also some research studies that suggest that certain types of bacteria and viruses are attracted to dry environments, so keeping yourself hydrated can help reduce your risk of infection too!
Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
As you would expect, eating a healthy, balanced diet can go a long way towards helping you maintain a strong and healthy immune system. Essentially, the more variety you can add to your diet, the better. Many of us are guilty of eating the same things day in and day out, which can actually be quite bad for our health! To help boost your immune system, try to incorporate as many different fruits and vegetables into your diet as you can. You can also add other healthy foods like legumes, seeds, nuts, fish, and whole grains for added benefits!
Get enough sleep
Another simple way to boost your immune system is to get more sleep. Many of us are guilty of getting less than the recommended amount of sleep each night, but very few of us are conscious of the negative effects this can have on our health. We have all heard the saying “beauty sleep”, but what many people don’t realize is that this is not just a saying – it’s actually a scientifically proven fact! Getting more sleep can help reduce your risk of contracting the flu and other viruses and can also help to prevent certain types of cancers! The exact reasons why lack of sleep is so bad for your health are still not completely understood, but it is believed that it has something to do with the release of certain hormones associated with sleep, such as melatonin.
Exercise Everyday
Exercising regularly can go a long way towards boosting your immune system and keeping you healthy. Exercising regularly can help to reduce your risk of getting sick, and if you do happen to come down with something, it can help to speed up the recovery process too! Exercise helps to boost your immune system by increasing blood flow to your organs, including your lymph nodes and spleen. These are important organs in the immune system, and keeping them healthy can go a long way towards helping your body to fight off infection! Exercising regularly doesn’t just boost your immune system, it also has many other health benefits such as reducing stress and helping you to sleep better at night. So there really are no excuses!
Take supplements
If you suspect that your immune system may be particularly low, you may want to consider taking supplements. You can buy supplements from your local grocery or pharmacy store but it is worth reading the ingredients as not all supplements are of equal quality. Some supplements that are particularly good for boosting your immune system include Vitamin C, Garlic, Echinacea, and Zinc. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that is essential for healthy immune system function. Garlic has been used in traditional medicines for centuries due to its numerous potential health benefits. Echinacea has long been used by Native Americans to fight off infection, and studies have shown that it may actually have some effects in preventing the spread of viruses. Zinc is another nutrient that is essential for healthy immune system function.
Take a high-quality probiotic
Another great way to boost your immune system is to incorporate a high-quality probiotic into your diet. Many of us are aware of the benefits associated with taking probiotics, but for those who are not, here is a quick rundown: Probiotics are the live bacteria that are naturally found in your gut. Consuming a daily high-quality probiotic can help to keep your gut healthy and functioning properly, which can in turn help boost your immune system. Although many of us are aware of the benefits associated with taking probiotics, not all of us actually do. While many people do take probiotics on a regular basis, there are still many who do not.
Learn to Relax
Lastly, you can boost your immune system simply by learning how to relax. We all have busy lives and lots of commitments, but it is important to make time for stress reduction. Excessive amounts of stress can have a negative impact on your immune system, particularly if it is chronic. Luckily, there are many different ways to reduce your stress levels and help boost your immune system. Some of the best methods include yoga, meditation, getting enough sleep, and eating healthily. Taking the time to learn how to relax can help to keep your stress levels low and your immune system strong.
