There’s always a possibility of falling ill in our crowded, fast-paced world. But when flu season rolls around, everyone becomes more vulnerable to sickness. The weather cools down, good habits falter, and the flu can spread quickly in close quarters.
That’s why immunity must be a priority regardless of your age, background, or lifestyle. This is your body’s ability to fight off viruses like influenza.
Let’s explore the best ways to boost your immune system going into flu season and why you should apply these 365 days a year.
1. Real Food First
Power foods containing nutrients and antioxidants are always an asset when boosting immunity. With standard diets worse than ever, do your body a favor by skipping the grease, sugar, and processed starches going into colder months.
You don’t need to go vegan or become a master chef to improve your diet. Simply cutting out bad foods and replacing them with lighter, fresher options is the first step.
Also, load up on fermented foods for better gut health since most disease starts here.
2. More (Clean) Water
The body needs fresh water to perform nearly every primary function, and fortifying the immune system is one of the essentials. Water keeps organs working as they should, from the brain and heart to the digestive system.
The problem is that most people drink only a fraction of the water as they should, then wonder why they get sick during flu season. Let this be a reminder that hydration is non-negotiable, especially when you’re more prone to illness.
To help increase your water intake and get some additional immune-boosting power, squeeze citrus into your water glass throughout the day.
3. Supplement Smartly
Are you still skipping out on the multivitamins? Make sure this is the last flu season you let that happen. Supplementation doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, but you do need to be consistent.
That means picking a multivitamin you trust, taking the recommended dose daily, and getting back on track if you miss one.
Some people find that zinc and magnesium before bed help their immunity tremendously, while others prefer herbal supplements like turmeric, black pepper, elderberry, and others.
4. Ramp Up Activity
Exercise circulates lymph, strengthens the heart and lungs, and amplifies the body’s systems most naturally. As a result, highly active individuals are less likely to get sick and recover quickly in the rare event of illness.
No need to work out for hours a day, but be sure to carve out time for three or four rigorous training sessions each week. Weights, cardio, stretching – it all helps.
5. Stay Ahead of Stress
While the occasional bit of acute stress can help us focus and perform, low-level chronic stress can seriously strain the immune system. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many Americans today, with financial and personal pressures taking their toll.
There’s no secret to beating stress, but it’s worth formulating a plan of attack. Manage your time, money, and personal matters wisely, and most stress will subside.
6. Prioritize Sleep
Remember how it feels to wake up after only a few hours of poor sleep? The brain fog, the irritability – your body’s way of saying something is wrong.
A few missed hours of sleep won’t wreck your health but compounded over time, it will lead to a drop in immunity and allow sickness to sneak in. During flu season, sleep is vital, so get around eight hours each night.
7. Minimize Bad Habits
We all have those guilty pleasures that aren’t great for our health. For some, it’s junk food and TV, while others indulge in alcohol, cigarettes, and other vices.
While they feel good in the short term, these activities chip away at our bodies’ defenses and leave us vulnerable to viruses like the flu. Do your best to cut out bad habits, or at least reduce them to a more reasonable level.
8. Spend Time Outside
Getting out into nature is one of the best things you can do for your body, mind, and immunity. Even if you’re in a city, there are surely parks and trails you can discover and spend some time in the sun and open air.
The combination of vitamin D and oxygen will work wonders for your health and keep you strong throughout flu season.
9. A Taste of Honey
The manuka honey New Zealand tradition is all about taste, purity, and health-boosting properties. Just a tablespoon or two per day can help fight off bacteria and viruses while providing a sweet addition to snacks or drinks.
This is the easiest and tastiest way to get an immunity advantage moving into winter.
Build Bulletproof Immunity, Year Round
Don’t just use these tips when flue season rolls around. Apply them throughout the year to stay brimming with health, vitality, and happiness.
