The holidays are here
and so is cold and flu season. Cold and flu season typically begins in October
but peaks in December and January. Now that we have officially entered cold and
flu season, it’s time to think about how we can protect ourselves before we get
sick. Though it might seem unavoidable, there are a few simple things we can do
to help our immune systems. Here are 7 ways to help you boost your immune
system this fall.
1. Sleep
Though it might seem
hard to find time to sleep, most of us could do more to prioritize it. Studies
show that people who are sleeping 7-9 hours a night and receive their flu
vaccine are better protected against the illness. Try to reduce distractions
and time wasters so you can put yourself to bed earlier or sleep in a little
later. Your body and mind will thank you.
2. Exercise
The benefits of
moderate, consistent exercise cannot be overstated. Not only does exercise help
us feel better physically, improve our heart health, and boost our moods, but
now we know it improves the immune system as well to help us fight off
infections and illness.
3. Reduce
Stress
Chronic stress causes
our bodies to release hormones that make us more likely to contract diseases
and can create chronic illness in our bodies. Sleeping better and exercising
will help reduce your stress. So can meditation, journaling, talking to a
therapist, and spending time with people you love.
4. Hydrate
Though hydration itself
doesn’t necessarily decrease your risk of catching a cold, dehydration can
increase your risk of becoming ill because it limits your kidney, heart, and
digestive functions. If you do become ill, drinking water helps your body
create mucus and makes it easier to expectorate phlegm.
5. Wash Your Hands
We have heard a lot
about handwashing in the last few years. During this time of year, it is
especially important to wash and sanitize your hands more frequently. Bacteria
lurks on doorknobs, water faucets, and other seemingly innocuous places we
touch all the time. Being careful to keep your hands clean and not to touch
your face will help reduce your risk of contracting cold or flu.
6. Choose the Right
Supplements
Internet ads abound for
vitamin and mineral supplements that claim to protect us from all manner of
illnesses. Most of these claims are unproven. There are, however, studies that
suggest that Vitamins C and D, zinc, elderberry, echinacea, and garlic can help
us prevent and fight infections. Be sure to check with your doctor or
pharmacist for possible interactions with any medications you take before you
start taking supplements.
7. Eat a Healthy
Diet
Though it’s easy to
place our hopes in a vitamin supplement, it really is more important to eat
well to help our immune systems. Many parts of our bodies work together to
fight disease, so we need to be mindful of eating for them all. That means
reducing added sugar, eating healthy fats, eating fermented foods (or taking a
probiotic supplement), and eating whole fruits and vegetables.
Superberries
Aronia berries are an excellent addition to your daily diet because they are a
rich source of antioxidants, Vitamins A, B complex, and C, zinc, potassium,
iron, and magnesium. They help boost your immune system, reduce inflammation in
the body, and provide your organs with the vitamins and minerals they need to
function effectively. They are also so versatile that you can add them to
smoothies, savory meals, desserts, and beverages. Superberries Aroniaberry Products make it easy to add Aronia berries to your diet every day.
