Now more than ever, it’s important to try and optimise your immune system so that you can enjoy a happy and healthy Christmas this year with your loved ones. But how do you go about bolstering your immune system? Well, we’ve outlined 5 simple lifestyle changes that should help you stay fighting fit this winter!
Be mindful of cold and flu season
Colds, and in particular, flu become much more prominent during winter, which means it is necessary to take extra steps to avoid contracting illnesses. These can be difficult to get into the habit of, but once you make them part of your daily routine, it will become second nature. Simple things such as washing your hands correctly after being out in public and before eating, as well as avoiding touching your face, will help to reduce the spread of germs.
Taking vitamins is also a great way to reduce the likelihood of you getting ill. Vitamin D has been proven to increase your immune system’s response to illnesses, so this is especially important to take during the darker and colder months as our bodies receive less natural vitamin D. Other supplements like Vitamin C and Zinc will also help to support your immune system and help you fight illnesses.
Sleep
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night in order for your body to function at an optimal level. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to a reduction in how well the cells in your immune system function.
We know that life can get busy, so it’s not always possible to get this amount of sleep, but being mindful of making time to rest, and setting yourself up for a good night’s sleep with little things such as avoiding screens just before going to bed and having a nice, relaxing bath, will all help.
Food and drink
One of the best ways to stay fighting fit, is to have a healthy, balanced diet. Just like certain foods can support your immune system, larger intakes of unhealthy foods can actually reduce your immune system. Simple things such as drinking between 6 and 8 glasses of water a day, and eating plenty of fresh vegetables, will really help. There are also certain superfoods that your immune system would benefit from like whole grains, garlic, and yoghurt with live cultures.
Exercise
Small amounts of regular exercise will not only help your mental health due to the release of serotonin, but it also helps to support your immune system by relieving stress, encouraging good bacteria in the gut, and improving circulation.
All types of exercise will support your immune system, so if running or heavy weights isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options you can try out until you find one that you enjoy.
Spending time with family and friends
Finally, this may not be the most obvious option for improving your immune system, but many studies show that surrounding ourselves with people we love and feel supported by improves our mental health, and therefore our immune system. So spread the love, not germs this Christmas, and let your loved ones know how much they mean to you.
We hope these tips and tricks help you have a happy and healthy Christmas this year! To explore our range of immune-boosting vitamins, take a look here; https://www.everlywellness.co.uk/products/?filter=immunity
Tags: Immune System, Immunity
