The wintertime can be a difficult time. It gets colder, days get shorter, and it gets harder and harder to get out of bed each day. Your body begins to become more susceptible to illnesses like viruses and bacterial infections, as well as colds and allergies.
But do not panic! There are some ways that you can help boost your immune system! Keeping your immune system in good health is the best way to help avoid getting sick, feeling down, and keep your body functioning as it should!
Read on to get some answers to common questions and some helpful practices that can have you feel healthier!
Is Your Immune System Weaker in the Winter?
Yes, your immune system can become weaker in the winter months. Research has proven to us that periods of cold, like winter, are consistently followed by increases in deaths caused by respiratory diseases.
Some theories surrounding why we get sicker in winter suggest that several infectious organisms like colder weather. These organisms include the flu viruses! Another theory suggests that our immune systems are suppressed by colder temperatures, which causes us to become more susceptible to illnesses, thus infection rates rise.
Both theories support each other, so regardless, it is important to take precautions against illnesses in winter!
How to Maintain a Healthy Immune System in Winter?
Below are some of the best methods to help keep your body and immune system functioning at their best! A healthy immune system leads to a healthier mind and body!
Wash Your Hands Often
This may seem obvious, but washing your hand with warm water and soap is the best way to prevent germs, bacteria, and viruses from getting into your body and making you sick. Throughout the day you touch a lot of things that all carry germs if they are not sanitized frequently.
For example, your cell phone screen is covered in microorganisms from your fingers, face, mouth, and all the surfaces that you place it down on. Money and coins are covered in germs as well. There are many other items we use daily that we do not think to sanitize that have germs, like your computer, car keys, shoelaces, kitchen sponges, doorknobs, light switches, and more.
To help protect yourself from getting germs from these, wash your hands! Wash your hands after using the restroom, ALWAYS. You should wash your hands after you take off your shoes after coming home from being out. Wash your hands before meals as well, even if you are not eating finger food.
Get Vaccinated
Vaccines are proven to help protect us against illnesses. They are safe and contrary to what some people think, they do not cause mental illness, they do not allow the government to track you, and they do not cause medical issues. Doctors and scientists around the globe have proven the efficacy of vaccines many times.
Vaccines can save your life. The flu virus alone can kill thousands of people in the United States during the winter. COVID-19 is another virus that we know to be extremely dangerous and capable of mutating into new strains. The best way to fight the mutation of new and deadlier COVID-19 strains is to get vaccinated and wear a mask.
You can get vaccinated against COVID-19 for free. Talk to your doctor about arranging a flu vaccine as well.
Get Enough Sleep
During sleep is when our body heals and regenerates itself from the day before, so allowing your body to have plenty of rest is important. Your body can fight off infections and heal better when you are rested as well, so make sure you are getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep!
One way to help yourself get better sleep is to keep blue-light devices out of your bedroom and to avoid using screens an hour before bedtime. If you spend long hours on the computer each day, then invest in a pair of blue-light glasses.
They can help to protect your eyes from harmful blue light. Blue light from screens stimulates the brain and prevents the brain from beginning the relaxation and sleep process.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most important and best ways to keep your immune system in good shape is to drink water. Lots of it. Water is integral in cleaning the body of waste and keeping your organs functioning their best.
Water carries oxygen to your cells, flushes out bad bacteria, and removes toxins through the urinary system. Water can help clear your skin, give you more energy, and even help you lose weight. Water is so important, so drink it!
And no, alcohol does not count as hydrating. Drinking alcohol dehydrates you and so does smoking. If you are trying to get a healthier immune system, then maybe try kicking these bad habits to the curb.
Stay Active
Thirty minutes of moderate exercise a day can help improve your blood flow, which helps to encourage white blood cell production. White blood cells are important in fighting off disease and protecting you from sickness.
Try going for a brisk walk, jog, run, or hike. Try out yoga, Zumba, or take an aerial silks class! Keep your body moving and blood flowing, especially if you are sitting down all day.
Eating Well
Your diet is how your body gets vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Some foods that are good for boosting your immune system are as follows:
- Citrus Fruits
- Red Peppers
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Spinach
- Yogurt
- Almonds
- Sunflower seeds
- Turmeric
- Green tea
- Papaya
- Kiwi
- Poultry
- Shellfish
Get Your Vitamins in
Vitamins are a great way to boost your immune system and keep yourself healthy. There are many easy ways to get vitamins, like through supplements, fruits and veggies, and IV drips.
Try an IV Drip
IV drips are wildly hydrating since they deliver immediate hydration into the bloodstream without having to go through the digestive system. IV drips have vitamins and certain purposes, so you can get an immune-boosting IV drip!
IV Drips Recommended for Immune Boost
Cold and Flu
This IV drip can help you get over a cold or the flu by delivering vitamins and hydration into your body quickly. This IV contains vitamin C, saline, multivitamins, and pain relief!
https://resetiv.com/products/cold-and-flu
Immune Boost
This IV drip boosts your immune system and contains pain-relieving ingredients, vitamin C, saline, and other vitamins!