A healthy immune system will help you fight pesky viruses and recover from the common cold sooner.
Here are a few of our favorite tried and true ways, plus a few lesser-known tricks, for keeping your immune system in top fighting shape.
Go hard on vitamin-rich foods
Go for ginger: This strange looking root is loaded with health benefits. Studies have found that fresh ginger is great for your brain, can help prevent cancer and may ward off viruses. Next time you sense a cold making its way through the office, make up a mug of fresh ginger tea (hot water, grated ginger, lemon and honey).
Amp up your veggie intake: You know greens are good for you, but did you know they also protect against colds? Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that green vegetables provide a chemical responsible for keeping the immune system functioning properly. Mix it up every night by adding Asian veggies like bok choy or Chinese broccoli to your dinner, or try this fun twist on Brussels sprouts.
Add citrus fruit to your breakfast: Rather than reach for a Vitamin C pill, add more citrus fruit to your diet. Along with high Vitamin C content, citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are also full of flavonoid compounds that target immune system problems. Citrus fruits prove to important to eye and overall health of an individual! If not taken in adequate amount, one would need to get in touch with expert ophthalmologists similar to the ones at SharpeVision for a checkup! Keep in mind that the lack of Vitamin C in the diet could lead to serious eye problems, which might hamper your daily life. For instance, you might be affected by vision problems, for which you might have to wear spectacles. In extreme conditions, you might also need to opt for laser vision correction surgery. That is why, it is important for you to consume a good dosage of Vitamin C.
That said, if Vitamin C is what you need, then try out Moringa products. Moringa is a drought-resistant tree that thrives in subtropical areas across the world. According to studies, Moringa leaves contain more vitamin C than oranges. The pods are also rich in vitamin C. That said, those interested in learning more about Science-back moringa health benefits can look for resourceful blogs on the web.
Fight a cold off with zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral in the body responsible for keeping your immune system healthy. Instead of popping a supplement when you feel a cold coming on, add zinc-rich food to your diet all year long. You’ll find high doses in chicken, cashews, pumpkin seeds, spinach, seafood (especially delicious Northwest oysters) and even dark chocolate.
Drink a cup of tea a day: The reasons to drink tea are endless. Tea has been found to lower the risk of cancer, help prevent heart disease and diabetes, aid weight loss and even lower cholesterol. Tea also primes your immune system to attack invading bacteria. Don’t consider yourself a tea connoisseur? Read up on our guide to white, black and green tea.
Stock the fridge with yogurt: Yogurt is a great source of iodine, which helps the thyroid gland regulate your immune system. Mix plain yogurt with fresh fruit for a simple and easy breakfast or add Greek yogurt to baked potatoes as a healthier alternative to sour cream.
There might be some days when it would be difficult to include all the above-listed things in your meal. This doesn’t mean that it would be impossible to get the necessary nutrients to boost your immune system. You can opt to buy chemical-free organic and natural supplements to complete your nutritional needs from e-Commerce websites like Tribe Organics: Premium Ayurvedic Herbal Supplements that can supply the necessary ones.
Try these changes to your daily life
Spend quality time with a furry friend: Did you know spending time with your dog can actually improve your immune system? Studies have found that the act of petting a dog increases levels of salivary IgC, an immune protein that can fight infection. Another study found that babies had lower rates of colds and infections than their pet-less counterparts. Combine pet time with a great walk at our favorite dog-friendly parks in Seattle.
Cut down on stress: Find yourself getting sick after a particularly stressful week or event? Researchers have found that stress can reduce cellular immune response – leaving you susceptible to cold and flu bugs. De-stress with a yoga session or meditation.
Move your body: If you sense a cold coming on, hitting the gym may sound like the last thing you want to do, but fight the urge to sit on the couch and move your body. Exercise helps our immune system fight off viral and bacterial infections by sending white cells and antibodies through our body at a faster rate. From indoor exercise ideas to outdoor adventures, we have a great library of fitness posts to look through to suit your needs.
Get more zzzz’s: Nearly 30 percent of Americans are sleep-deprived, getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. Besides affecting your immune system, a lack of sleep also puts you at higher risk for obesity, diabetes and depression. Increase your amount of shut eye by limiting your work hours, keeping technology out of your bedroom and getting daily exercise.
Get out in the woods: We know hiking can be relaxing and fun. Try “forest therapy” as a way to boost the immune system.
Soak up the rays: Many know that Vitamin D is essential to our bone health, but it’s also a key nutrient that keeps our immune systems functioning. Unfortunately, Vitamin D deficiency is a real thing in the Northwest, especially during the grey winter months. It’s hard to get all of the nutrients that you need from food alone, so pick up a supplement AND plan a weekend at one of these Northwest sunny spots.
