So important to look after ourselves in the cold winter months. We need to ensure we stay strong and healthy. Diet and lifestyle play a big role. Here below are some useful tips on how to protect yourself and boost your immune system this winter.
Keeping your Immune System Strong
A healthy immune system won’t let you get sick with a terrible flu that keeps you bedridden and weak for days. Make sure your diet is super healthy by including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Eat what is in season. Drink lots of good quality filtered water and vegetable smoothies and put super food powders like spirulina, wheatgrass and chlorella in them to boost your immune system.
Keep the body alkaline by having a warm water and lemon first thing in the morning 20 minutes before breakfast. This acts like an internal shower. Include fresh ginger, garlic, onions and herbs like turmeric in your cooking.
Stay away from refined sugar that weakens the immune system and is destructive for the whole body. Sugar is absolute poison so avoid indulging in too many cakes, biscuits, pies etc.
Include supplements like zinc, Vitamin C and echinacea. Also get your levels of vitamin D checked. Lack of vitamin D has been linked to poor immune health.
Stress
Stress has a huge impact on your immune system. Learn to listen to your body and STOP! This is so important. Learn to slow down and say no. Avoid drinking too many coffees and teas as caffeine releases the stress hormone cortisol. If you keep going, eventually you will burn out and become ill. If you are feeling particularly stressed try a B complex and Magnesium which is known as nature’s tranquilizer. If you are stressed try yoga which is fantastic for calming the mind and breathing exercises together with meditation also help.
Sleep
A proper nights sleep is essential in keeping the body strong and healthy. Lack of sleep will result in a compromised immune system. If you are having trouble falling asleep try to relax by having a warm bath before bedtime, and stay away from the computer before going to bed.
Exercise
Exercise is very good for circulation and it makes us feel good as exercising releases endorphins which make us calmer and more relaxed. Find the right exercise for you. Remember we are all different. walking, swimming, dancing, running, gym etc are all good. However as with all things you do not want to over do it. If stress levels are high I would strongly suggest you do only yoga.
Wash your hands
So important to keep washing your hands continuously so you limit contact with germs.