Why You Should Boost Your Immunity Now
Next to your heart and lungs, your immune system is one of the most crucial organs we have. It is responsible for recognizing infections and illness-causing invaders and neutralizing them before they have a chance to spread further. The flu, for example, is a virus that infects your respiratory system, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as headaches, coughing, and fever. Most people regain their health after one to two weeks, but in some cases, the flu can be deadly if left untreated. The common cold, on the other hand, is caused by a variety of viruses — most of which are highly contagious. While the symptoms themselves are harmless, they can leave you immobilized for days, making it difficult to function, let alone take care of yourself. Both illnesses are rampant during the colder months, and for most people, it is inevitable that they will catch at least one of them.
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Boost Your Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D is a vital building block for a strong immune system. It is responsible for the proliferation and differentiation of white blood cells, which fight infections and diseases. The best way to boost vitamin D levels is with regular, moderate sun exposure. Experts recommend 10-15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure per day, two to three times a week. If you are not already getting enough sun, you can take vitamin D supplements; just make sure they’re not fortified with vitamin A, since this can actually decrease your vitamin D levels. Besides boosting vitamin D levels, sun exposure is also excellent for your skin, hair and mood. So, even though it’s not exactly pleasant to think about, it’s a small price to pay for good health.
Befriend Your Gut Bacteria
Good bacteria live in your gut, where they help you break down food and maintain a healthy digestive system. Unfortunately, they are often destroyed by antibiotics, which is why they should always be taken with probiotics. When your gut flora is out of whack, it can wreak havoc on your whole body. It can increase your risk for everything from allergies and autoimmune diseases to obesity and type 2 diabetes. To restore your gut bacteria, you can consume probiotic-rich foods, such as fermented vegetables or yogurt with live cultures. Probiotic-rich foods include: - Sauerkraut - Kimchi - Yogurt - Kefir - Pickled vegetables - Miso - Natto
Get Plenty Of Rest And Exercise
Not getting enough sleep has been shown to reduce your immune system’s ability to fight infections. Besides that, it has also been linked to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. While we can’t exactly decide how long our day is, we can decide what time we go to bed. This is a very easy thing to change — all you have to do is set a bedtime, and then stick to it regardless of what’s going on in your life. Besides sleep, exercise is another excellent way to boost your immunity. It improves your blood flow and increases the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in your body. It also releases endorphins, which are your body’s natural mood boosters. You don’t have to go to the gym every day to reap the rewards of exercise. Even taking a daily walk outside can make a difference.
Astragalus
Astragalus is a root that has been used as a medicinal herb in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is is one of the most nutrient-rich plants on the planet and has been used to boost the immune system, fight infections, and improve overall health. Astragalus contains high amounts of antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage caused by pollution and toxins. It also contains high amounts of Vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, and calcium. Astragalus can be taken as a tea, capsule, or tincture, depending on the brand and serving size. It is safe to take daily and can be found in health food stores or online.
Vitamin C
This popular vitamin is highly effective at preventing and fighting colds — as long as you start taking it as soon as you feel symptoms coming on. The sooner you begin taking it, the more effective it will be. You can take vitamin C in pill or liquid form. Experts recommend taking 2,000 mg a day for maximum protection. Vitamin C is also excellent for your skin and nails, so you can reap the benefits even when you’re not fighting off a cold.
Conclusion
As you can see, giving your immune system a boost can be as simple as getting more sleep, eating more vegetables, and taking a daily vitamin. These three simple steps can make a huge difference in how you feel and how your body responds to the cold and flu viruses. There’s no better time to start protecting your health than now. Put these tips into practice, and you will be able to enjoy winter to the fullest, no matter what the weather brings.
