Give Your Immune System a Boost

With winter approaching and the threat of coronavirus still being a very real thing, it makes sense that, if we want to be as healthy as possible, that we start focusing more on our immune systems. Doing so will help us to fight off infections and feel happier, healthier, and more able to take on any challenges that life throws at us. 

Okay, but how exactly do you go about boosting your immune system? Here are a few ideas to get you started…

Make sure you get enough sleep 

Sleep is closely tied to the immune system. The more good quality sleep you are able to get, the better your immune system will be able to function and the less susceptible you will be to illness.

Ideally, you need to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night.  Studies have shown that anything less than that will increase your risk of catching colds and other similar illnesses. Struggling to sleep at night? Try misting your pillow with lavender, taking a hot bath before you hit the bed, or a nighttime meditation before you turn off the lights.

Eat more whole foods 

Nutrition is perhaps the key to better immunity. The more healthy whole foods—mainly plants—that you eat, the more vitamins and nutrients you will take in, and thus the more protected from illness you will be.

Fruits and vegetables in their natural state contain a lot of antioxidants that can fight inflammation and give you a healthy boost. They also contain a lot of fiber, which KB Wellness will tell you is a huge part of improving your gut microbiome and thus boosting your physical and mental health. Eat as many plant-based meals as you can, and eat them as close to their natural state as possible.  You will start to feel so much better.

Cut down on sugar

If you want to be as healthy as possible this winter, try cutting down on the amount of sugar you consume. Sugar is a huge contributor to weight gain and obesity, which can hit your immune system and make it more likely you’ll get sick. Swap sugar for natural alternatives like stevia, lose any excess weight, and you could half your risk of contracting flu this year.

Manage stress

Stress takes a huge toll not only on your mind but also on your body, Stress hits the immune system by causing inflammation in the body and imbalance of your hormones. The longer you are stressed, the more at risk of viruses, infections, and other common illnesses you will be.

Luckily, there are a lot of relatively simple things you can do to lower your stress levels.  From taking up meditation or yoga to spending some quiet time with a good book, try a few options and adopt the one that feels best to you.  If you’re very stressed and can’t seem to get it under control, seeking the help of a registered therapist may be useful for you.

As you can see, boosting your immune system is simpler than you might think, and doing so could help you get through this winter and beyond as healthily as possible.