Springtime means fresh air and sunshine, but it can also mean immune system turmoil. With the dust from winter and the fresh pollen in the air, our immune systems often need a boost. Here are a few ways to boost your immune system this season.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
Both nicotine and alcohol compromise your body’s immune system. Nicotine and alcohol use are both linked to multiple different diseases. Instead, try flavored waters, tea, juice, and milk, which contain the vitamins and nutrients to help boost your immune system.
Improve your diet
Adjusting your diet to include more whole foods and less processed foods can be most beneficial for your overall health. Whole foods are especially important as they provide your body the nutrients it needs to strengthen your immune system. Healthline shared some foods that help boost your immune system include:
- - Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, limes, and lemons)
- - Red bell peppers
- - Broccoli
- - Garlic
- - Ginger
- - Spinach
- - Kiwi
- - Poultry
- - Shellfish
- - Almonds
- - Sunflower seeds
- - Yogurt
Get more sleep
A well-rested person is more likely to fend off sickness than a sleep-deprived one. During sleep, our body releases proteins that help our immune system fight infections, inflammation, and stress. Long term lack of sleep can lead to weight gain and increase your risk for diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Taking a melatonin supplement, drinking night time tea, and reading instead of watching TV are all methods to help improve your sleep, and thus improve your immune system.
Wash your hands
Germs can easily be spread just by touching commonly touched surfaces. A simple way to avoid the spread of infection is to wash your hands thoroughly and often. If you can’t wash, it’s also helpful to keep hand sanitizer nearby. Infection can be spread when foods are touched and hands aren’t washed before and after. While on the subject – be sure to cook your meats to adequate temperatures. Your diligence in hygiene will ultimately protect your immune system.
Keep stress at bay
When you’re stressed, your immune system takes a toll. You’re much more susceptible to sickness when your body is run down by stress. When you’re stressed, your body reduces the production of white blood cells, which help fight off infection. You can work to reduce your stress levels by journaling, meditating, doing yoga, sleeping more, and eating healthier foods like those mentioned above.
Visit your doctor regularly
Visiting your doctor on an annual basis is important. They’re able to keep up on things that might be of concern to you and them and ensure that you are fully vaccinated to protect against any viruses that could weaken your immune system. Vaccines often teach our immune systems how to behave in the event that a virus is encountered. Your doctor will be able to tell you what you’re lacking and what vitamins and supplements can be added to your diet to improve your overall health.
Take vitamins and supplements made with whole foods
According to Harvard Medical School, your diet may not provide you with all of the nutrients your immune system needs. Because of this, you can supplement your diet with vitamins and supplements. Not all vitamins and supplements can be treated the same, but the best are made with whole food nutrients. Food Research has many that can help boost your immune system, and we’re happy to help find one that’s right for you.
Related: Immune Positivity
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