As I am writing this, I have an awful chest cold. It got me thinking about ways to continue to support my immune system through this infection and beyond. While these aren't a sure-fire way to avoid getting sick, these tip are still essential for helping your body fight off nasty viruses and bacteria.
Eat Well
It's no secret that what we put into our bodies is going to either help us or harm us when it comes to fighting viral and bacterial infections. Aim to get a healthy and balanced diet with lean proteins, fruits and veggies, whole grains and healthy fats while also avoiding saturated fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars. Eating a healthy diet will help you keep your immune system in optimum function.
Get Moving
Physical activity supports your immune system by helping you maintain a healthy weight, reducing anxiety, and helping you sleep better. All of which help to support your immune system. You don't have to spend hours in the gym to feel the benefits, simply taking a walk after dinner will help support your immune system.
Catch some Zs
Getting adequate sleep is super important when it comes to supporting your immune system. When you sleep your body produces cytokines which helps your body fight off viruses and inflammation. When you deprive yourself of sleep not only is your body not able to produce cytokines, but
infection-fighting antibodies and cells are also reduced when the body doesn't get enough sleep.
Limit or Avoid Vices
We all know that drinking and smoking aren't exactly good for us, but did you know that they can also make it harder for your body to fight against harmful viruses and bacteria? Both impair immune cells making that are necessary for helping your body fight foreign pathogens. Smoking and Drinking also triggers inflammation while destroying the healthy bacterial necessary to keep your immune system in optimum function. Try quitting or at the very least cutting back on these habits to help your immune system stay healthy this winter!