Everyone seems to anticipate getting sick in the wintertime if you judge the increase of commercials hocking name brand cough, cold and flu remedies. However, if your immune system is healthy, there is no reason to expect getting anymore sick in the winter than you do the summer months. With these tips, you can build up your immune system and avoid needing commercial cold or flu medicines.
- Tip #1 – Go Outside
Even though it is cold, you should try to go outside on bright sunny days in the wintertime. Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin”, can help reduce the instances of flues and respiratory infections in adults and children. However, if it is to cold outside, drink milk fortified with vitamin D and take vitamin D supplements to help keep your immune system strong.
- Tip #2 – Get Plenty of Sleep
A good night’s sleep can help prevent illness because it helps boosts your immune system. When you don’t sleep well, your body will be stressed and produce the cortisol hormone. A prolonged increase in this hormone can suppress the immune system, leaving you susceptible to attacks from viruses. However, sleep reduces stress and allows your body, and mind, to rest.
- Tip #3 – Eat Healthy Foods
Making sure you get plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and other healthy foods will help give your immune system a lift. These foods have the vitamins and minerals you body needs to be healthy. Limit processed foods, sugar and simple grains in your diet.
- Tip #4 – Add Probiotics to Diet
Another way to bolster your immune system for winter is by adding foods or supplements containing probiotics to your diet. Probiotics are microorganisms, often referred to as good bacteria, which have many health benefits like protecting the body against infections. They are often found in yogurt, kefir and other foods containing live cultures.
- Tip #5 – Try Chiropractic Care
Misalignments of the spine can pinch nerves and cause stress within the nervous system that can suppress the immune system. However, with regular chiropractic care from an experienced Columbus, OH chiropractor, the spine can be realigned and the immune system strengthened. Spinal manipulations can help reduce allergy symptoms, help prevent or reduce the severity of colds and help prevent respiratory infections.
These tips are easy to do and they can help you prevent illnesses this winter, as well as all year round.
Enjoy,
