It’s me to get our immune systems in shape to prepare for bale against the dreaded cold and flu bugs.
These nasty viruses seem to hit us hardest during the fall and winter months. These illnesses generally immerge during cold weather. Although the weather itself has not been proven to cause these common ailments, it can increase other causing factors. The chill of cold weather drives people indoors, increasing person to person contact in close quarters, which readily spreads nasty viruses. Frigid temperatures also encourage people to become less active. These factors weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illnesses.
We can arm ourselves in several important ways;, diet, hygiene, exercise and stress reduction. Here are ways to arm ourselves:
• Adjust your diet to include foods high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, and vitamin D, like salmon. According to www.askdrsears.com, other foods to consider to help boost your immune system include foods high in zinc such as oysters or crab; food dishes that include garlic; or foods that contain Omega- 3 fat acids like tuna. While supplements are no substitute for the real thing – taking a vitamin supplement can help make up the difference you are lacking.
• Wash your hands a lot, especially if you work with a lot of people. Invest in a small bole of hand sanitizer and keep it close by. Don’t be afraid to use the hand sanitizer dispensers you see in grocery stores and at the entrance of shopping malls.
• Increase your exercise even if it’s indoors. Geng exercise can be difficult when it is too cold to be active outdoors, so it’s a good idea to find indoor activities, such as mall walking, to keep the body energized and resistant to those winter bugs.
• One of the leading factors of a weakened immune system is a high-stress level. Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which in turn weakens the white blood cells’ ability to fight viruses. Be sure to get a good night’s rest so your body can repair itself physically and mentally.
• Drink water and lots of it. Dehydration can happen in the winter months just as easily as it does during the hot days of summer.
