Health and Fitness

6 Immune Busting Tips You Should Start Incorporating Now!

By Cheryl Alker

Fall is a season of transition not only because of the changing leaves and cooler days, but for our immune system. So, with Fall now here, it might be time to take a look at boosting your immune system naturally.

Here are 6 great ideas that you should consider implementing now to help you survive the season in full health and ward off any approaching flu viruses.

Start Loading Up On Fruits and Vegetables – Whole fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of Vitamin C which ultimately plays a vital role in building a healthy immunity. Also rich in antioxidants they help remove free radicals that can potentially damage the immune system. Getting your “5” a day is essential at this time of year.

Vitamin E – This important antioxidant is found in vegetable oils, avocados, nuts green leafy vegetables and whole grains. It helps boost immunity by assisting the maintenance of T-cell levels which is a type of white blood cell that looks for infections.

Probiotics – Your digestive system is the first line of defense against infection so it is vital to keep it healthy with plenty of good bacteria. Great sources of natural probiotics are kefir, cultured vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi, kombucha, yogurt, raw cheese such as goats and sheep milk and good old apple cider vinegar!

Fresh Fish – Salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines and fresh tuna contain a powerful combo of omega-3 fats and vitamin D. Our bodies make vitamin D whenever our skin is exposed to sunshine, therefore winter time for most of us means less sunshine, so getting your vitamin D from food is important during the winter months.

Rest– Sleep plays a major role in immune health so getting your Zzzzz’s at this time of year should be a priority.

Exercise – Keep active! Whilst it might be cooler outside a brisk walk can be quite refreshing, even raking those leaves will keep your body moving. Whatever it is that you need to do at this time of year to keep your body working make it happen. Whilst it is very nice cuddling up in front of a fire on cold winter evenings don’t let it become the norm, a sluggish body leads to a sluggish immune system.

However you decide to incorporate immune boosters into your day, start now, small steps every day could make a big difference to surviving the winter months in optimum health.