With the fall cold and flu season approaching along with COVID-19 it is more important now more than ever to live a healthier lifestyle and boost your immune system. Here are some tips to help you do that.
- Eliminate sugar from your diet because it suppresses the immune system.
- Make sure you get plenty of sleep, at least seven hours, if you are lacking in sleep you are depressing the immune system. If you have difficulty in this area let me know I may be able to help.
- Get plenty of moderate exercise, preferably outdoors, at least five days a week. This will not only help your immune system it will boost your mental health, and reduce your risk of infection.
- Maintain adequate hydration. Drink water not sodas. Coffee and alcohol do not hydrate the body they dehydrate the body. Use a refillable water bottle not plastic water bottles.
- Eliminate environmental toxins from your household as much as possible. This includes toxic cleaning products, laundry detergents that contain harmful ingredients, air fresheners, and scented candles. “Many environmental toxins are endocrine disruptors to name a few phthalates, parabens and BPA which are found in personal beauty products, cleaning products, fragrance and plastics.” (Cleveland Clinic) I can recommend an excellent brand that can be delivered to your doorstep.
- Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals in your body to support your immune system before you get sick. Many people are lacking in important vitamins that are vital to good health. “If you suspect your diet is not providing you with all your micronutrient needs — maybe, for instance, you don’t like vegetables — taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement may bring other health benefits, beyond any possibly beneficial effects on the immune system.” (Harvard Health)
- Eat fresh organic foods including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Make sure to clean them before eating to remove any toxins, including the organic products.
- Build up your immune system by maintaining a healthy gut. Medicine is now finding that 70% of our immune system lives in the gastrointestinal tract. If this is out of balance you can help it by supplementing with probiotics. Let me know if you have problems in this area, I may be able to help you.
- Don’t smoke or vape. Medical researchers have found that people who have these habits are at a higher risk of illness and complications from the illnesses.
- Make sure you are washing your hands frequently to avoid infection. At least twenty seconds, when this is not possible use a good brand of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. I can recommend a brand that will not dry out your hands even when used often.
- Try to keep stress to a minimum. Many people are experiencing higher levels of stress due to the pandemic. Learn techniques to help you relax and cope including meditation, yoga, and Tai Chi.
- Maintain a healthy weight, don’t overeat, and don’t snack after dinner. Stay away from processed foods.
- Drs. have recommended getting a flu shot this year, this is a matter of personal preference but if you are age 65 and older it probably is a good idea.
- Some Drs. also recommend taking extra Vitamin D, have your blood levels checked to make sure this would be beneficial for you. Many people do not spend enough time outside to get enough Vitamin D from the sun.
- Take extra Vitamin C, some studies have found that taking Vitamin C before cold symptoms start may shorten the length of time you have symptoms. (Mayo Clinic)
- Maintain a happy and optimistic attitude. Research has found that people who are able to do this experience better health and recover faster from the common cold.
