Once the holidays are over, the harsh reality of winter sets in. For many of us that live in areas with colder temperatures, the first few months of the year are something we endure. Staying warm is a constant challenge. Staying healthy can be another challenge many of us struggle with on a daily basis.
How can we support our immune system during the long winter months?
While these aren’t cures, we’ve gathered some the easy ways we can help strengthen our body’s defenses.
1) Focus on your diet
For many of us, the holiday season brings with it some poor eating habits, which often carry on into the new year. Eating superfoods such as brightly colored fruit and vegetables, green, leafy vegetables, oats, nuts and seeds, yogurt, garlic and ginger will help strengthen your immune system1. In addition to boosting your immune system, eating a diet full of superfoods can also reduce the risk of diabetes, aid in weight loss and reduce bad cholesterol. It can also help keep your skin looking youthful and your organs healthy2.
2) Exercise regularly
It takes more than a little motivation to go out and exercise when it’s freezing out, but regular exercise can increase T-cells and strengthen the natural killer cells in the immune system3. If that isn’t enough incentive to continue your exercise regimen through the winter months, exercise may also lower your chances of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis and even some cancers3.
3) Get adequate sleep
Your overall health can be directly affected by your quality of sleep, yet only 12% of Americans report their sleep quality as excellent4. Sleep is important to a well-functioning immune system5. If we burn the candle at both ends, it puts you at an increased risk of colds or bacterial infections6. So, settling down for a long winter’s nap may be one of the best things we can do for our bodies, whether or not we’re expecting a visit from St. Nick.
4) De-stress
It’s not uncommon to get an occasional case of the winter blues, however continued high stress levels can lower your white blood cells, putting you at an increased risk of viruses. High stress levels can also make you susceptible to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can lead to a wide variety of immune system diseases such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus and psoriasis7. Regular exercise, such as yoga, along with a meditation program can help reduce those high stress levels.
5) Stay hydrated
It can never be overstated – water is essential for life. Water makes up more than half your body, and a person can’t survive without water for more than a few days. Our bodies need water to produce lymph, a fluid used by our immune system to circulate white blood cells and important nutrients to all of the body’s tissues. Water helps flush toxins from the body and ensures your cells get the oxygen they need to operate efficiently8. Many people fail to get enough hydration in the winter because the cold weather tricks our bodies into thinking we’re not as thirsty due to the constriction of our blood vessels9. Don’t be fooled. Your body still needs an adequate supply of water even when you don’t feel thirsty.
6) Take immune supporting supplements
Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol™ from Sovereign Silver® is the #1 selling silver brand for good reason. It is a dietary supplement whose whole purpose is to support the immune system.* It is tasteless, safe*, pure and effective* as well as non-GMO, gluten and allergen-free. Add this supplement to your daily routine or whenever you need extra immune support*. For more information about Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol, please read this article. If you would like to discover more about the power of silver for immune support, learn more here.
The winter months can be challenging, but properly supporting your immune health* this season can reap rewards and get you a step closer to your own health sovereignty.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/immune-system/how-can-diet-boost-our-immune-system/
https://www.femina.in/wellness/diet/health-benefits-of-superfoods-94719.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27750511
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/media-center/press-release/lack-sleep-affecting-americans-finds-the-national-sleep-foundation
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/sleep-deprivation-effect-the-immune-system-mirrors-physical-stress https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/immune-system-lack-of-sleep#1
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-happens-when-your-immune-system-gets-stressed-out/ https://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/8-ways-to-get-your-cardio-indoors-during-those-colder-months.html
https://dripdrop.com/blogs/news/winter-hydration-can-you-get-dehydrated-in-cold-weather
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