Immune System Winter Prep
Our immune system is our defense system against illnesses. We're pretty defenseless against the winter crud on our own. Without the immune system, we would catch every cold, flu and infection that crossed our paths. And then we'd have them indefinitely — or die from them. In fact, a simple virus could take our lives if it weren’t for the valiant efforts of the immune system. That’s why it’s so important to keep the immune system in tip-top shape going into the winter months.
The good news is that there are things we can do to care for the immune system and help keep it in tip-top shape. Let's look at some key ideas.
Take Probiotics
Probiotics, found in supplements and food, are microorganisms that the body needs to be healthy in a digestive sense. They may also boost the immune system by helping to maintain a healthy community of helpful bacteria and other microorganisms. But do they really work? Studies have shown that probiotics afford us several benefits, especially when it comes to supporting the intestinal microbiota — an essential part of the immune system.
Make Healthy Choices
A healthy lifestyle free from smoking, light on drinking and low in stress may be the most important choice in helping boost the immune system. Avoid the usual bad habits and eat a healthy diet complete with plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, get enough sleep and wash your hands frequently. We should all also take steps to reduce stress. But that seems so flippant doesn't it?
It may be that the hardest things to do are these very things: the obvious culprits that we can all rattle off in an instant but which elude us on a daily basis. Yet it is true—if we practice a healthy lifestyle, consistently, our immune system will function at its best.
Consider Supplements
The truth is, most of us do not get enough vitamins through our diets. In this case, supplements can help to bridge the gap. Though nothing will ever make up for a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables, supplements may still be helpful. The best supplements for immune health are vitamin C, vitamin B6 and vitamin E, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Hydrate
Perhaps one of the best ways to keep the entire body, including the immune system, functioning at its best, is to keep it hydrated with clean water. Current recommendations may be different than the old 8-10 that we're used to, so checking out the latest can help us to stay hydrated and healthier as a result.
Prepping the immune system for the winter can go a long way toward staying healthy all season long. Focus some time and energy on immune-boosting strategies to face the winter with confidence.
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