In the midst of cold and flu season, it’s important to take every precaution to prevent getting sick. If you’re looking for natural and effective means to protect yourself, then look no further. These 8 natural immune boosters have been shown to make a big difference when it comes to staying healthy.
1. Avoid Added Sugars
Studies have shown that consuming sugar depresses your immune system to the point that it has a hard time fending off illness. By avoiding added sugar (including soda, sweets, etc.), you allow your immune system to function properly and protect you from getting sick.
2. Get Enough Sleep
Studies from Carnegie Mellon have shown that individuals that get less than 7 hours of sleep per night are almost 3 times more likely to get sick than those who got 8 or more hours, and that irregular sleep schedules can contribute to this increased risk.
To combat this, set regular sleep and wake times that allows for at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
3. Eat More Fruit
This may seem to contradict the advice to avoid sugar, however the natural properties in fruit create a balance in sugar and vitamins that the body can process effectively.
Most importantly, Vitamin C and polyphenols found in fruit can provide immune boosting benefits. By getting at least 3 servings of fruit each day, you can arm your body with anti-viral properties to help you stay healthy.
4. Exercise Regularly
We all know that regular exercise is good for our general health, but why exactly does it boost our immune system? Research shows that the increased blood flow sparked by exercise assists the body in its waste removal process, as well as facilitating the flow of immune cells throughout the body.
Just 30 minutes a day can make a big difference.
5. Add More Garlic
Garlic contains Allicin, a naturally potent infection fighter and immune booster.
To really reap the benefits, crush a fresh clove of garlic about 15 minutes before you will be eating and add it directly to salads, veggies, rice, cream cheese, etc. Heating up the garlic may be tempting, but this cooks out some of the immune boosting benefits, so raw is best.
6. Stay Hydrated
Water is extremely important when it comes to staying healthy. Your immune system simply can’t function at its full potential when it is dehydrated.
For an added immunity boost, squeeze fresh lemon juice into your water to benefit from its natural vitamins and other benefits.
7. Consume Healthy Bacteria
It may seem strange to put bacteria into your body when you’re trying to stay healthy, however probiotics aren’t just your average bacteria. In fact, arming your body with healthy bacteria found in probiotics can potentially increase your body’s antibodies and make it better able to fight off infection.
To get these healthy bacteria into your system, you can either take a daily probiotic supplement or get it naturally from yogurt, kefir, or other probiotic containing dairy products.
8. Get Adjusted
Consider your Chiropractor your best friend when it comes to helping you stay healthy this flu season. With regular adjustments, your nervous system can function as it was designed to which will allow your body’s immune system to effectively stave off illness.
By following these 8 immune boosting tips, you can better protect yourself from getting sick this flu season.
Bonus tip:
Be sure to wash your hands with warm water regularly, and to avoid touching your face or biting your nails which can transmit bacteria into your system.
