While the fall and winter are full of holidays and family gatherings, all things to enjoy and cherish, these months also incorporate the prime cold and flu season. Staying healthy during one of the busiest times is difficult, if not impossible, which is why many people often turn to an over-the-counter cold flu medication, like cough control tablets. While many of these medicines are safe when used according to directions, there are several natural ways you can support and even boost your immune health this season.
Use Stress Management Techniques
Study after study shows a link between psychology and biology, meaning that mood and perception can alter biological responses. For example, stress leads to increased cortisol production, raising blood pressure, and weakening immune response. By changing thought patterns and focusing on the positive, people can limit stress hormones and boost their immune response. If you struggle to calm your nerves, there are OTC medications to help, like Brillia ADHD adults or anxiety tablets.
Eat Healthy Foods
The holidays are the worst for nutritious eating. People fill their homes with cookies and sweets, and they often overstuff themselves with all the goodies you only get once a year. During cold and flu season, unrestricted eating is among the worst things you can do for your immune system. Your system relies on a balanced and healthy diet to maintain its strength against viruses or infections. Foods like fruits and vegetables help arm your immune system with the right vitamins and minerals, maintaining a robust defense against wintertime bacteria.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is essential to rapid and effective immune response. Exercise increases blood flow, strengthens antibodies, and reduces inflammation and stress, all things that contribute to the immune system’s performance. Before you stress over grueling or taxing exercises, researchers suggest that 30 to 60 minutes of brisk walking, a 17-minute mile, can improve immune response and the body’s defense against germs.
Sleep
Sleep is when your body resets and rejuvenates. Adequate rest is vital to a healthy and productive life. How much sleep do you get, five to six hours or more? According to most sleep experts, an adult needs between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. If you are running on six hours or less, you are depriving yourself and making your body work harder than it needs to.
Ensure Proper Hygiene
A significant part of staying healthy is avoiding contact with germs and bacteria, which is impossible. Therefore, you need to focus on hygiene. Wash your hands after touching anything, and definitely avoid touching your face. It is astounding how easy germs transfer from one surface to another, so focus on washing your hands and disinfecting common areas.
Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, and Other Bad Habits
Smoking and alcohol consumption are among the worst things you can do to your immune system. Any usage of drugs can lead to immune system suppression, significantly increasing your risk of infection. While consuming alcohol in moderation and on occasion is OK, you should limit bad habits to ensure a healthy system response.
Unfortunately, even the healthiest person will occasionally get sick. When this happens, continue adhering to the suggestions above, but also look for treatments that adhere to homeopathic and science-based research to minimize your symptoms.