7 Ways To Boost Your Immune System Ahead Of Winter

With winter on its way, we’re all suddenly a lot more susceptible to cold, flu and other diseases. Up to 20 percent of the American population will be struck down with flu, tens of thousands will be hospitalized, and thousands will unfortunately die from the condition.

While there isn’t much that you can do to treat flu once it arrives other than ride it out, you can take some preventative steps to stop you catching it in the first place. Having an immune system that is healthy and working at full capacity is one such way of reducing your chances of being struck by illness during the colder months.

Here are seven ways to boost your immune system ahead of the winter.

Get plenty of sleep and manage stress

The stress hormone cortisol is the human body’s public enemy number one. It interferes with learning and memory, leads to weight gain, increases blood levels and cholesterol levels and can cause heart disease. It also lowers your immune function. Getting the recommended amount of between seven and nine hours of sleep per night can help to lower your stress levels, as will avoiding stressful situations.

Go on a detox

One of the many ways in which toxins can harm our body is by attacking the immune system, weakening it in the process. By going on a detox, you can flush all of the bad chemicals out of your system and improve the effectiveness of your immune system.

Avoid tobacco and alcohol

Both tobacco and alcohol are bad news for the immune system. Tobacco smoke undermines your immune system’s defenses and also raises the risk of pneumonia. Alcohol meanwhile impairs your immune system and increases your vulnerability to lung infections.

Eat fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds

Chances are if it comes out the ground, it’s good for your immune system. Vegetables, fruit, and nuts provide all the nutrients that your immune system needs to remain working at full capacity while also helping improve antibody response to any viruses or infections that find their way into your system.

Eat lots of garlic

It might not be good for your breath, but garlic is brilliant for boosting the immune system. Garlic is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, which in simple terms means that it contains antibiotic properties that help fight infection.

Experiment with immune-boosting herbs

There are several natural plant and herb remedies that can have a boosting effect on the immune system. Consider taking a course of eleuthero, Asian ginseng, American ginseng or astragalus to help in the battle against disease.

Get some sunshine

Exposure to sunlight triggers the skins production of vitamin D, which metabolizes enzymes in various immune cells. What all that means is that catching some rays can help you avoid getting ill. If you didn’t already have the perfect excuse to jet off on a holiday, you do now. Even if you just head out for a walk on your lunch break to catch the rays, every little helps.