If you could ward off illness without having to take any additional medication, would you?
It’s the start of cold and flu season and the best way to stay healthy is to be ready. That means boosting your immune system. There are many things you can do to boost your immunity, many of them completely natural. Here are some natural ways that you can strengthen your immune system and stay healthy this cold season.
Sleep enough. Many of us just don’t get enough sleep, and it can hinder the ability to resist illness. In addition, getting too little sleep can affect your mood and concentration throughout the day. Strive to get at least 7 hours a sleep a night.
Manage your stress. Too much stress can increase your cortisol levels, which can suppress the immune system. There are many things you could do to help manage stress. Go for walk, do some yoga, take a time out and breathe deeply. Find what works best for you.
Quit smoking. If you smoke, try your best to stop. Tobacco smoke obstructs basic immunity and raises your risk of pneumonia and bronchitis. Exposure to smoke also increases ear infections in children.
Limit alcohol. Too much alcohol and can increase the chances of pulmonary infections and impairs the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
Eat well. Including lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds in your diet can give your body the necessary vitamins and nutrients it needs to keep the immune system healthy. These foods can also help boost your antibody response to certain illnesses.
Heal your gut. Did you know that over half your immune system is in your gut? An imbalance in your digestive tract could open you up to illness, allergies and fatigue. If you feel like your digestion isn’t as healthy as it could be, take probiotics, eat less sugar and eat healthy foods.
Get some sun. Low levels of vitamin D are related to higher risk of respiratory infection. To get your daily does of vitamin D, just go out in the sun. In the hot summer months, 10-15 minutes is all you need. If you live in an area with hardly any sun, consider a supplement.
Add some spice to your food. Spices like garlic and ginger not only enhance the flavors of your food, but they add some immune-boosting properties to it. Raw garlic is antimicrobial and is known to fight cancer. Ginger has been used for ages to fight colds and flu symptoms.
Try herbal remedies. There are many herbs that support the immune system. Echinacea is said to boost the immune system. Astragalus has been used in Chinese medicine for years and boosts the body’s energy levels, and ginseng can help prevent respiratory infections.
With the cold and flu season upon us, it’s important to stay healthy. This includes doing what we can to boost out immune system. Try any of these natural ways to do just that.