How to Prepare Your Immune System for the Winter Season

Winter is coming. Some of the most common things people do to get ready for this season are to check if their heating systems are working well, clear out vents and chimneys, stock up on electric snow thrower shovels, and even equip their vehicles to be winter-ready. However, we sometimes forget to check ourselves. The coldest months of the year are when we are prone to getting sick. That is why we should get our wellness strategies in place just before it hits the chilly temperature.

Here are some tips on how to boost immune system throughout the year.

Getting a Stronger Immune System

Studies show that cold weather can negatively impact our body’s immune system. Researchers believed that during days with low temperature, the body finds it difficult to fight off infections. This can be because of several reasons. Winter means we get to spend most of our time at home. Because of this, we have minimal sun exposure which results in a lack of vitamin D. Plus, staying at home for a long time may cause us to be too close to each other. This is where virus spreads quicker. The good news is that we can prevent getting sick during winter through the following:

1. Get a Flu Shot

Anyone can have flu anytime, and people are more likely to get this during the cold season. Flu shots can be an immune booster. It is safe and can help you combat the sickness. Experts recommend having a flu shot every year.

2. Consume More Immune-Boosting Foods

No matter what the season is, it’s highly important to eat nutritious foods. To keep our immune system strong all-year-long, we should take in more citrus fruits, including lemons, tangerines, and grapefruit. Include vegetables, such as broccoli, garlic, ginger, and red bell peppers, in meals. A bone broth soup is a perfect immune booster as it is rich with collagen, amino acids, and minerals.

3. Be Active

Exercise can boost immune system. Aside from having better blood flow, being active also helps increase the circulation of immune cells and even get rid of bacteria from our airways. It also strengthens our antibodies which are our shield against infection. The best immune booster exercises to try are walking, hiking, strength training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Just be careful not to overdo it.

4. Don’t Forget to Sleep

Lack of sleep is a culprit in having a weak immune system. Sleep is essential because this is the time wherein our bodies get a refresh. While we sleep, our bodies release proteins called cytokines. They protect our bodies against bacterial and viral infection or inflammation. For adults, the average sleeping time is between seven to eight hours. Children may need 10 hours or more.

Boost immune system preparation for winter is a smart move. After all, health is wealth. It would be challenging to join gatherings or celebrations without good health. Homes and cars can be repaired but we only have one body. It only makes sense that we take care of it every day.