It’s February, and we are in the middle of the coldest winter here in New York. And most people on the East Coast know that when winter is here, so is cold and flu season. I do not like it when I’m sick and try my best to stay healthy, but since I am a working mom…things happen.
Luckily, since I work in the health and wellness industry, I have had the fortune of working with some great experts who’ve helped me brave the winter months with my health intact. And as always, I love to share! Here are the top four pillars on how to boost your immune system this winter and can dodge the flu for good.
Eat well:
Normally during the winter, it gives people the idea that since we’re mainly indoors all the time we can eat whatever we want. Break out the chips and cookies, right? It turns out that not eating a well-balanced diet can have some major effects not just physically but mentally.
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains offers essential vitamins and minerals to your body which helps to fight off infections. You may have heard that Vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and berries, is crucial for immune function.
Stay hydrated:
We usually associate drinking loads of water during the summer, but we need to have the same intention during the winter. One great factor to boost your immune system is strong is drinking enough fluids throughout the day, especially water.
Hydration helps your body maintain its moist mucous membranes, which act as a first line of defense against pathogens. These membranes allow your body to effectively trap and flush out viruses and bacteria while supporting the circulation of white blood cells to fight infections.
Exercise regularly:
While it may not seem motivated to work out in the wintertime, you should. Research shows that physical activity can help boost the cells that help fight illness and infection. Exercise improves circulation, reduces stress hormones, and can even stimulate the production of white blood cells when exposed to cold air during outdoor activities.
And remember, exercise does not have to be an hour of hardcore fitness, a simple 30-60 minute walk or a 20-minute HIIT workout at home will do. There are plenty of fun workout videos on YouTube that you can try!
Get enough sleep:
We all know that a good night’s sleep can do wonders for the body, which means it can also prevent sickness. During sleep, the body repairs and renews cells, including immune cells. These new immune cells are continuously released in the blood circulation from the bone marrow, conducting the migration of immune cells.
This helps ensure that the immune system is in optimal condition to fight off winter illnesses. So yeah, a good night’s sleep is crucial to help the body stay healthy and strong to fight against airborne diseases.
Remember that the winter months while they may seem inconvenient, are the months to make sure we don’t use them as an excuse to develop unhealthy habits. Did you like this post? If so, please make sure you subscribe to the newsletter for an insider’s look at new and exclusive content. Also, make sure to share this with your family and friends.
Til next time,
Photo by Alex Padurariu on Unsplash
