Flu season is upon us and with the added danger the new deadly virus imposes, each and every one of us should do their best to stay in optimal health.
Our immune system is our shield from any potential predator that can compromise our health. With most people, the good-functioning immune system is strong enough to fight off viruses, bacteria, and flu.
However, in this day and age, our immune system is challenged by so many more outside factors, polluted air, water, and low-quality food, that compromise its strength. Being in a constant battle with all that is going on in our system, our immunity can sure use some support to maintain proper functioning.
To begin with, any action that we take to help boost our immunity will not give the desired effects, if our body is not properly detoxed. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that maintaining clean intestines and liver, is the main predisposition to have strong immunity.
Therefore, the strengthening of your immune system begins with a proper body cleanse supported by natural supplements for detox.
Once your body is free from toxins, it’s time to focus on implementing new lifestyle and food habits in order to boost the immune system. Below, we will discuss nine proven-to-be-powerful ways to strengthen the immune system and avoid being infected with seasonal flu or viruses.
1. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are highly nutritious. That’s why they can help you deal with any health condition. Due to containing certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they help you stay healthy. And, even if you do catch a cold, they can help you get through it much easier. If needed, you can also take natural supplements, to ensure you receive all the important nutrients.
2. Focus on the Immune-boosters
Although eating fruits and vegetables helps you stay healthy, there are certain items that act as immune boosters. Those items are the citric fruits (lemons, oranges, and grapefruits), garlic, broccoli, and cauliflower. In terms of the citric fruits, they contain vitamin c, antioxidants, and other nutrients that help fight infections and support the work of your natural immune system. When it comes to the vegetables, they are truly unsung heroes of health. Moreover, they contain antioxidants, peptide glutathione (bacteria and virus killer), and the garlic even contains allicin, which is a powerful immune booster.
3. Add Herbs to Your Meals
Apart from consuming vegetables in their original form, you can also use them in the form of herbs. For instance, you can use garlic, onion, or ginger, like spices in your meals if you don’t like them fresh. You can also use herbs, such as turmeric and oregano because they are rich in vitamins and have anti-inflammatory properties that can enhance your immunity.
4. Drink Herbal Teas
Speaking of herbs, let’s not forget the herbal teas. Tea isn’t just a good winter drink because it’s hot, but also because of its nutritional value. Chamomile and green tea, for instance, are powerful immunity boosters because they contain powerful antioxidants, which help your body fight against infections.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Apart from drinking tea, you should also drink water. Although it’s not your favorite thing to do because it’s cold, you need to drink it in order to support your body’s proper function.
Moreover, dehydration makes you vulnerable to disease. Apart from keeping it hydrated, water helps your body eliminate the toxins and produces lymph, which carries the white blood cells and other immune system cells throughout the body.
6. Drink More Milk
Here’s another hot and tasty drink you can have in winter to boost your immunity. Milk, as well as other dairy products, are rich in calcium, vitamins a and b12, and protein.
Having in mind that most winter days are cloudy rather than sunny, you need calcium for your bones. Also, you need vitamin a due to its function in enhancing the function of your immune system. And, you need vitamin b12 for the production of white blood cells, which are essential for the proper function of your immune system.
7. Relax
Stress is known to be one of the reasons for a compromised immune system. As new research has shown, people get sick when they are under stress. Therefore, you need to eliminate the things that make you feel nervous and cause stress. You can relax by practicing meditation and/or yoga, going for a walk, getting a massage, and sleeping.
8. Stay Physically Active
We know it’s cold and you don’t want to go out, but actually going out, as well as outdoor activities, can help you stay healthy during the winter. The air is clean and daylight is good for your skin and bones. For instance, you can go ice skating, go for a winter walk with your family and/or friends, or even jog. Well, if you really don’t like the cold, you can go to the closest gym and exercise there. It doesn’t matter where you are, but that you are physically active.
9. Take Steps To Prevent Infections
Apart from doing all the things mentioned above, you can also take certain steps to prevent, or decrease the risk of infections.
The most important thing is to maintain good hygiene by washing hands regularly. Also, you can get vaccinated against the flu, but you need to consult with your doctor first. And, the last thing is to avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of getting in touch with sick people.
