Winter is coming. Do you have your immune system ready? No matter how healthy you are, Professionals like Dr. Ryan Shelton, Zenith Labs, knows everyone can benefit from a boost to their immune system this time of year. Here are five ways to naturally build up your immune system and stay healthy all winter long!
Drink A Lot Of Fluids!
Our bodies are made up of around 60% water, so it’s no surprise that staying hydrated is vital for our overall health. Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush out toxins and keep our organs functioning properly. It also plays a role in regulating our body temperature and maintains the balance of electrolytes in our bloodstream. Furthermore, drinking lots of fluids can help to boost our immune system. When we are well-hydrated, our white blood cells can move more freely throughout our body, making them more effective at fighting infection.
So, how much fluid does the average person need to drink each day? The National Academy of Medicine recommends that men consume at least thirteen cups (3 liters) of juice per day, and women consume at least nine cups (2.2 liters). While water is always the best choice, other beverages such as unsweetened tea, 100% fruit juice, and low-fat milk can also help to keep you hydrated. And during times when you are more susceptible to illness, such as when you are pregnant or have a chronic medical condition, it is even more important to drink plenty of fluids. So next time you reach for a drink, make sure it will help keep you healthy!
Get Enough Sleep!
Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night, but Dr. Ryan Shelton, Zenith Labs says some may require more or less. Getting enough sleep is vital, including maintaining a healthy immune system. When we sleep, our bodies produce cytokines, proteins that help fight infection and inflammation. Cytokines can also help to improve the way our immune cells function. Furthermore, sleep deprivation can make us more susceptible to illness. When we are tired, our bodies have a more challenging time-fighting infection. So make sure you’re getting enough rest this winter, and your immune system will thank you!
Eat A Balanced Diet With Plenty Of Fruits And Vegetables!
Eating a balanced diet is essential for our overall health, including boosting our immune system. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help to keep us healthy. Vitamin C, for example, is a well-known immunity booster. It allows our bodies to produce white blood cells, essential for fighting off infection. Other vitamins and minerals such as zinc and iron also play a role in supporting our immune system. So make sure you’re getting plenty of fruits and vegetables this winter!
Exercise Regularly!
You may not feel like working out when it’s cold outside, but exercise is one of the best things you can do for your immune system. Exercise helps to increase our body’s production of white blood cells, which fight off infection. It also helps to reduce stress levels, which can weaken our immune system. So make sure you’re getting some exercise this winter! Even just a brisk walk around the block will do wonders for your health.
Reduce Stress Levels!
Stress can harm our health in many ways. One of those is weakening our immune system. When we are stressed, our bodies produce more of the hormone cortisol. This hormone can interfere with producing cytokines, which are proteins that help fight infection and inflammation. Additionally, cortisol can also suppress the activity of natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell that helps fight off infection. So if you want to boost your immune system, make sure you’re taking steps to reduce stress in your life.
Conclusion
There are many different ways to reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with
