The immune system is easily a contender for the most important system in the body. After all, it’s consistently protecting us from everyday threats we often don’t even realize are present.
When we think about the immune system, most of us immediately picture a bunch of white blood cells fighting off pathogens to keep us healthy and happy. And for the most part, this is correct, as that is the system’s main role. However, the immune system also has several indirect connections to other crucial systems including the gut, brain, and even the skin. It’s safe to say this system deserves a little extra support to stay healthy and strong, especially during the winter months.
Although our immune system plays an important role in our health year-round, it seems we are often more susceptible to germs during the winter months. There are many theories that have been proposed to explain these seasonal trends in immune strength. One of these theories suggests that environmental stressors can have an effect on immune function. And, with all the stress associated with winter, from changing weather conditions to holiday festivities, it is no wonder that our defense mechanisms might need a boost to operate as efficiently as possible.
But, how can you best support your immune system? To make your life easier, we have compiled a list of simple tips to help you support your immune system during the winter months and beyond.
6 Tips to Keep Your Immune System Strong
The secret to keeping your immune system strong during the winter is to strike a balance between preventive and supportive strategies. Here are 6 tips to incorporate into your everyday life to help nurture and nourish your immune system.
1. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
We all know the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And there may be some truth to it. Although eating a single apple every day won’t necessarily do much for your immune system, making sure your diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables will. After all, fruits and vegetables are some of the best sources of micronutrients that play a huge role in the immune system’s functionality.
These micronutrients include vitamins A, C, and E as well as minerals like zinc, selenium, iron, and magnesium. These are just some of those that have been extensively studied and have shown to have an impact on immunity.
2. Include Probiotics in Your Diet
Today, we understand that gut health is crucial to immune function and overall wellness. We know and understand that a majority of your immune function, over 70% of your immune to be exact, resides in the gut and we understand that, to get the nutrients from our food, we require a healthy gut to absorb them. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we make gut health a daily priority. A great place to start is with a daily probiotic but that can’t be where this daily support ends if you are interested in maximizing your immune system and gut function.
3. Consume a Fiber-Rich Diet
In addition to fruits, vegetables, and probiotics, another diet change you can make to support your immune system is to increase your dietary fiber intake. This not only supports the probiotics that in turn support your immune system but it also ensures your gut is healthy and functioning at capacity so it can supply the pro-immunity nutrients.
4. Make Time for Exercise
Keeping active is another great way to support your immune system during the winter. Regular exercise can result in your body increasing its levels of dopamine and serotonin, otherwise known as happiness hormones. These hormones oppose stress hormones and the negative effects they can have on the immune system.
5. Take Care of Your Mind
A lot of the vulnerability during winter is associated with stress, both physical and mental. Therefore, in order to support your immune system, it’s important to take steps to lower your stress hormone levels.
There are many ways to do this including meditating, journaling, and even just getting enough sleep. Anything you can do to help yourself let go of anything that is making you unhappy. Make it a point to put yourself first and take care of your mental health. Your immune system will thank you for it.
6. Try Immune Supporting Supplements
You could also protect and support your immune system by taking immune-supporting supplements. Go for organic options with ingredients that offer a nutritional profile and compounds that have been shown to improve immune function. There are many options out there, but we recommend trying Defend from New Earth for year-round immune support.
Try Defend from New Earth
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