Easy & Natural Ways To Fight The Flu
Here come the sniffles; it’s cold and flu season! With an overload of information out there, it’s hard to know what actually keeps you from getting sick, but it’s not as complex as you think. Don’t be sick all winter, here are easy and natural ways to boost your immunity.
1. Move Your Body
Exercise is key to a healthy life. Whether you like to dance, lift weights, or go swimming, moving your body daily promotes your immune system. Your immune cells move around your body when you’re physically active, promoting cells to discover unwanted intruders and kick them out.
2. Don’t Smoke!
We all know how unhealthy cigarettes are for all kinds of reasons but did you know smoking is also a culprit for a weak immune system? If you’re a smoker who finds yourself catching every cold out there, it may be time to quit the darts.
3. Eat Your Fruits & Veggies
Mom has been telling you this for years but she’s right you know. A diet full of fruits and vegetables will help keep your immunity on track. They’re full of essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to stay healthy.
4. Drink Less Alcohol
You don’t have to give up a glass of red completely, but cutting back on your alcohol consumption is a good idea. Alcohol reduces your antibodies, good bacteria, and weakens your immune responses altogether.
5. Get Some Sleep
It’s often easier said than done but if you can prioritize getting enough sleep, it could help your health greatly. Think of it like a reboot–– your immune system is active while you’re snoozing but it can't function properly if you’re not asleep long enough.
6. Wash Your Hands
We’re all programmed to wash our hands after trips to the bathroom but be extra conscious to wash your hands before you eat or touch your face. When you apply makeup or shave, be aware that whatever you touched last is getting smeared into your skin and near your mouth. Washing your hands properly will get rid of nasty germs.
7. Minimize Stress With Strategies
Stress can take a toll on your immune system. Long-term stress suppresses your immune responses which makes it easier for your body to catch an illness. With meditation and mindfulness practices, there are many strategies you can incorporate into your lifestyle to help minimize stress.
8. Eat A Balanced Diet
To keep your immunity strong, pay attention to what you eat. Your meals should be well-rounded and balanced, including nutrients like protein and fiber. If your body is lacking any nutrients, it won’t be at its peak to fight off germy intruders.
9. Drink Herbal Tea
Soothe your soul and your body with tea! Green tea and other herbal teas like ginseng or peppermint are fabulous for your immune system. Green tea has been proven to alleviate inflammation and fight diseases with its strength in antioxidants.
10. Spice Up Your Life
A pinch of turmeric can go a long way. Herbs and spices like oregano and turmeric are not only packed with flavor but they deliver an immune-boosting punch. They’re renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties which are essential to the body’s immune function.
11. Stay Hydrated
You could help your immunity greatly simply by drinking more water. Staying hydrated is important for your body to function. If you can aim for a couple of liters of hydrating beverages every day you’re on the right track.
12. Juice It Up
A healthy immune system loves citrus! Vitamin C is essential for your body and helps fight off diseases. Snack on orange slices or squirt lemon into your water for a dose of juicy boosters.
13. Maintain Your Healthy Weight
If you don’t already know what your healthy weight should be, talk to a doctor. Keeping your weight healthy and consistent is helpful to your immune system’s function. You may find that when you’re over or under your target weight you tend to get sick quicker.
14. Consume Antioxidants
Antioxidants are disease battlers! High-antioxidant foods like berries, dark chocolate, and pecans are your immune system’s heroes. Try to include as many antioxidant-rich ingredients in your diet as you can, especially at this time of year.
15. Sip Bone Broth (Or Vegan Alternative)
A steaming hot bowl of bone broth or a vegan alternative is a natural snack that boosts your immunity. The broth is rich in amino acids which help regulate your immune system, allowing it to produce antibodies and defend itself against illness.
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16. Know Your Essential Oils
Each oil serves a different purpose and many include properties that promote immune health. Eucalyptus, for example, is known to help fight respiratory infections and lavender is a wonderful stress-reducer. From diffusing to eating, learn how to properly use essential oils to naturally boost your immunity.
17. Eat Beta-Carotene Foods
Beta-carotene is a mouthful to pronounce and it’s something you want to eat. Beta-carotene can be consumed naturally in foods like sweet potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes. It is a super antioxidant that protects the body and prevents cell damage.
18. Consume Probiotics
You may want to consume more probiotics if you find that your immune system is crashing. Natural probiotics can be found in foods like kimchi, yogurt, and miso. Probiotics are known to be gut-healing and immunity-boosting.
19. Don’t Touch Your Face!
It can be hard to control or notice sometimes, but the more you touch your face, the more likely you’ll ingest germs. If you’re a face-toucher, wash your hands constantly to minimize the risk of spreading unwanted bacteria into your mouth, nose, or eyes.
20. Add Seeds & Nuts To Your Diet
Seeds and nuts get a shout-out because they’re not only immunity boosters, but they do wonders for your nutrition health overall. There are so many ways you can add them to your diet. Try mixing chia and hemp seeds into oatmeal, tossing cashews in a stir-fry, or spreading nut butter on a slice of seedy bread.
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