A few tips to help keep the sniffles at bay
The crisp autumn weather means more cozy time spent indoors with others. Unfortunately, more togetherness exposes us more to the flu and other viruses.
The good news is that there are simple things we can do to keep our immune system functioning at its best.
Get Your Fluids
Hydration is essential to keeping the entire body working as it should. Dehydration reduces the abilities of our kidneys, heart, brain, and digestion, leading to compromised immune function.
Water is the best choice most of the time, but other nutritious fluids can count toward daily intake like milk, tea, juice, and soups. Even high-water-content fruits and vegetables like melons and cucumbers can contribute to your fluid = needs.
Eat More Plant Foods
Plant foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and phytochemicals that help support normal immune function. By eating a variety of colors when it comes to fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, you’ll diversify the powerful nutrients you put in your body.
For example, the unsaturated fat in avocados can act as an immune system nutrient booster by helping increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E. Avocados naturally contain 6 grams of this good fat per serving, making them a unique fruit.
Avocados contain zinc and vitamin C, two nutrients that support the immune system. As one of the top immune-boosting foods, it’s a good idea to keep avocados on your shopping list this season.
Stay Active
Physical fitness has been connected to countless benefits. It can improve mental health, tire you out for a better night’s sleep, and can help you maintain a healthy weight which reduces the risk of several diseases.
Moderate exercise has also been linked with improving the immune system. But don’t overdo it! Too much strenuous exercise may actually have the opposite effect.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep not only helps you feel rested, but it also helps your immune system.
Scientists think it’s partly because our stress hormones are reduced during sleep. Since stress hormones can weaken immune cell function, it makes sense that adequate sleep keeps our cells working normally.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can contribute to inflammation in our bodies, weakening the immune system. While none of us can escape stress completely, there are ways to minimize the negative impacts it may have.
Try including meditation, exercise, and journaling in your daily routine. Deep breathing can help reset your nervous system during high-stress moments.
Eating well, staying rested and hydrated, managing stress, and staying active are all great ways to support your immune system. By taking care of yourself now, you can build your defenses and help ward away those annoying seasonal illnesses.
