10 Immune Boosting tips to help you through the winter.
With the onset of winter and lots of bugs in the air, your immune system has to work extra hard to fight off germs and keep you healthy. Here are some tips to help:
Get enough sleep and manage stress.
Lack of quality sleep and too much stress increases stress hormones, which cause immune function to be lowered.
Avoid tobacco smoke.
It undermines basic immune defenses and increases the risk of bronchitis and pneumonia. If you smoke around your children, it increases their risk of upper respiratory infections as well as middle ear infections.
Drink less alcohol.
It undermines basic immune defenses and increases the risk of bronchitis and pneumonia. If you smoke around your children, it increases their risk of upper respiratory infections as well as middle ear infections.
Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Doing so will provide your body with the nutrients your immune system needs.
Use probiotics.
Studies show that a healthy digestive system leads to a healthy immune system. Fermented foods, like kefir or sauerkraut, are a good source of probiotics and have also been shown to reduce respiratory infections.
Spend time outdoors.
Sunlight triggers the skin’s production of vitamin D, which is vital for a healthy immune system.
Go for the garlic.
Garlic has antimicrobial properties and is an excellent immune booster. Because heat deactivates a key active ingredient, add it to foods just before serving.
Eat medicinal mushrooms,
such as shiitake and maitake (sometimes sold as “hen of the woods”). Medicinal mushrooms modulate immune function and can be used to support the immune system over the long or short term. They can also be taken in the form of supplements.
Increase vitamin C intake.
Vitamin C strengthens immune function and helps the body fight infection. It is also a powerful antioxidant.
Try immune-supportive herbs.
Astragalus, Echinacea and olive leaf extract are all excellent herbs to use to prevent colds and flu. It’s especially helpful to start using these herbs before the viral infection takes hold. Always speak to a trusted health professional before using supplemental herbs.
What are your thoughts?
Have you tried any of these helpful tips? Do you know of any other tips that have helped in the past? Leave your comments below: