When winter is around the corner, the pharmacies start to stock up on flu meds and gear their shelves for the masses to come in for their cold medicine regime.
People mostly get sick during the winter because the body needs to divert energy to stay warm and there are not many reserves left to stave off the germs and viruses that cause the flu. Luckily, you can boost your immune system and keep your body strong and healthy.
Get enough sleep
The immune system and sleep are closely linked and studies have indicated that prolonged periods of insufficient sleep can affect your immune system. Adults are supposed to get seven or more hours of sleep a night.
Although a power nap can provide you with a quick fix in terms of energy, it does not do much for your immunity. We all have weeks or days where work is hectic, but even then, you should plan your day and prioritize your sleep. Being sick at the office does not help anyone either, so it is in everyone’s interest that you get enough sleep.
Take care of your diet
The modern age has brought many great things along with it, but it also brought an unhealthy dose of convenience. Our diets are the first aspects to suffer due to all the processed foods that are available.
Microwave dinners and takeaways are packed with preservatives and other chemicals that do your body more harm than good. Instead of opting for the quick way out, you should prioritize natural foods like fruits and veggies.
They contain antioxidants and other immune-boosting elements that you will not find in other convenience foods. The point is to try and keep your meals as natural as possible and to cut out any processed foods and drinks.
Stay active
Our bodies were never made to sit in front of a computer screen for days on end. This does not mean that you need to start exercising like a marathon athlete, as extreme exercise can suppress your immune system. Regular moderate exercise is great at getting the blood pumping and getting fresh air into the lungs.
What it does for the immune system, though, is reduce inflammation. As it reduces the inflammation in the body, immune cells can regenerate more freely and regularly. A good rule of thumb is to try and get to around 150 minutes of exercise, spread over a week.
Stay hydrated
Water is our bodies’ great elixir and does wonders in cleansing our systems and keeping the joints lubed up. When you are dehydrated, your body suffers in several ways, like increased headaches, decreased digestion, heart and kidney function, and poor physical performance.
All of these ailments are linked to a greater susceptibility to illness. To stay hydrated does not mean that you need to drink water only. Many people find the taste of water too bland, so you could make some tea or add a bit of flavor with a couple of drops of lemon juice.
