We
all know that when the weather begins to turn cold, it’s time to
get ready for the cold and flu viruses to start emerging.
Approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the seasonal flu
during the late fall until the early spring.
Bear
in mind that some groups of the population are more prone to
contracting illnesses than others. Groups such as those 65 years and
older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, those
with certain compromised immune systems, as well as health care
workers. If you live with or work around people in one of these
groups, take some proactive steps to get your immune system ready for
the flu season.
Take
your vitamins. A good multivitamin will do the trick in keeping your
immune system thriving, however,specifically taking Vitamins A , B,
C, D, and E has been shown to promote a health immune system.
Speaking
of Vitamin D, many are unaware that during the winter months, their
body becomes deficient in Vitamin D. A deficiency of vitamin D
triggers infections, autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, type 1
diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease),
cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Further, Vitamin D has been
shown to be more effective in preventing the flu than a flu vaccine.
The best source of vitamin D is sunshine! It’s important to get
out and enjoy at least 10-15 minutes of sun per day (without
sunscreen). As winter approaches, and it becomes harder to get
natural sunlight, it may be necessary to take a daily vitamin D
supplement.
Eat
Healthy Foods. Everyone knows it’s important to eat healthy,
but I think that most people underestimate the power that food has on
the immune system. If you’re eating healthy and are exposed to
certain illnesses, you have a greater chance of not catching it. Some
foods that will provide you with optimum health are:
Organic
fruits & vegetables
Fermented
foods such as kombucha, yogurt, etc.
Organic,
pastured meats & eggs (including 100% grass-fed beef)
Healthy
fats, such as coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, nuts.
Avoid
sugar, especially refined sugars. Sugar weakens the immune system.
If you need sweeteners, use raw honey, maple syrup, & stevia.
Drinking
teas high in antioxidants such as green tea can stimulate production
of immune cells.
Raw
honey has antibacterial, antifungal, & antiviral properties
(LOCAL raw honey is best, especially for allergies).
1
Tbsp. apple cider vinegar per day.
Eating
nuts such as almonds have an immune-strengthening antioxidant.
Drink
lots of water. Simply put, water helps to filter the impurities
out of your body. Over time, this keeps your body functioning and in
optimum health.
Get
plenty of sleep: You workaholics out there need to pay attention
to this. If you body does not get the needed amount of sleep each
night, your health depreciates. Get a minimum of 7-8 hours per night.
Further, if you feel your body coming down with an illness, stop
pushing yourself and give your body what it needs: rest.
Exercise:
Staying active 3-5 days a week for 20-30 minutes has been shown to
not only help you stay healthy, but also increases your resistance to
illness and helps you reduce stress all at the same time. How’s
that for making the most of your time?
Keeping
your body in balance and following the five listed tips can assist
you in keeping your immune system strong during the months it is
under attack.