Many people panic during the fall and winter months because these are the times when they are most likely to catch the flu. However, you can keep yourself well throughout the entire year by supporting the immune system. You can use the following tips to strengthen your immunity.
1- Make Sure You Get Enough Rest
Resting is one of the easiest and best ways to support proper immune function. Researchers have found that adults and children who do not get at least six hours of sleep at night are more likely to get sick. Proper sleep helps your body replenish the cells that fight pathogens.
If you have trouble resting, then there are several ways that you can relax so that you can sleep. Do not use tablets or phones right before you go to bed. The blue light can make it harder to sleep. You can also exercise earlier in the day. Additionally, try to maintain the same sleep schedule.
2- Use Light Therapy
Light therapy can fortify your immune system. Light therapy works by increasing the core temperature of your body. This helps the body remove toxins. It can also help your body repair damaged cells.
3- Increase Your Yogurt Intake
A healthy gut can support a strong immune system. Fermented foods, such as yogurt, can keep your gut healthy. Yogurt has probiotics, which help increase and maintain healthy bacteria inside the gut. It is best for you to eat plain Greek yogurt. It is much lower in sugar than regular yogurt. It is also an excellent source of protein.
4- Take A Cold Shower
You can make your immune system stronger every time you take a shower if you turn on the cold water. There was a study done that involved a group of people in Amsterdam. They took a cold shower for 30 days. The subjects stated that they had a 29 percent decrease in their sick days.
It can be difficult to take a cold shower if this isn’t something you are accustomed to doing. However, you can start by running cold water on you for five to 15 seconds and then gradually increase your time.
5- Spend More Time Outside
There are many benefits that come along with being outside. Not only do you get to enjoy fresh air, but you can also give your immune system a boost. When you expose yourself to the sun, your body produces more vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body produce more T cells. The T cells help protect you from infection. They can also fight off an existing infection.
Keep in mind that you do not have to spend a lot of time outside in order to reap the benefits. In fact, your body can produce extra vitamin D even if you only spend 5 to 10 minutes outside.
6- Gentle Exercise
You don’t have to engage in high-intensity exercise to protect your health. In fact, gentle exercises, such as yoga and Tai Chi, can be just as effective. Gentle exercise helps alleviate stress. Too much stress can trigger inflammation and reduce immune response.
