How To Boost Your Immune System To Keep Healthy This Winter

As winter is upon us, illnesses such as colds and the flu are extremely common. It is important to remind ourselves about the importance of boosting our own immune systems, to maintain a healthy body in order to fight off these illnesses. 

There are five simple ways to boost your immune system in a natural way, which will help fight the normal illnesses that crop up during the wintertime. If you catch a cold with a stronger immune system, you will be able to fight off infections more easily. Here are five main things you can do to boost your immune system.

  • Physical Activity

Exercising comes with a lot of benefits. Aside from the reduction of health risks like Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular diseases, it also provides other benefits such as improvement in the regulation of blood pressure and blood flow. This makes the circulatory system able to react faster to infectious diseases that enter the body.

  • Healthy Diet

An appropriate balance of protein-heavy meals, healthy low-carb meals, healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are best suited for boosting your immune system. This proper diet will provide you with enough vitamins and energy that help fight against infectious diseases.

  • Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep can affect your immune system. Studies have shown that people who lack sleep are more likely to get sick after getting exposed to viruses, such as the common cold. Additionally, lack of sleep can affect your recovery time when you get sick.

  • Stay Hydrated

On average, the human body contains 60% water. It plays multiple important roles in our body, especially in our immune system. Additionally, proper hydration helps with the circulation of infection-fighting immune cells throughout the body.

  • Annual Flu shot

Getting your immunizations is a great way to avoid numerous preventable diseases and aids you in boosting your natural immune response. Taking your flu shots regularly will help your immune system adapt to the latest virus strains. Please note, if you are currently sick, we recommend you get tested before getting your flu shot. You should not get it while you actively have the flu. Did you also know that we have a 3-in-1 offering for only $229 that tests against the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. It is best to get your flu shot in October, but it is never too late. Did you know, each year, around October, MedPhysicals Plus sets up flu shot clinics for employers? Ask about getting this together for your company, each September.

In Addition to the tips above, MedPhysicals Plus, LLC (MPP) also offers health and wellness packages including blood tests and a vitamin B shot that can assist in monitoring your health and boosting your immune system. 

Helping the community stay healthy is on top of MPP’s priority.  We make it so convenient by offering appointment slots even on weekends!  We take special care of our seniors and offer mobile blood draws so you don’t even have to drive to the lab to get your blood drawn.  We accept walk-ins and same-day appointments at each of our locations listed on our website under location and hours.

Remember, this winter, it is important to prioritize boosting your immune system. The best ways to boost your immune system are to stay hydrated, get good sleep, eat healthily, reduce your stress, stay active and take advantage of the services that MPP offers to keep you healthy!

 

Sources:
Boosting Your Winter Immune System | Summit Health
5 Ways to Boost Your Immune System This Winter (pasadenahealthcenter.com)
Winter Illness Guide | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Benefits of Physical Activity | Physical Activity | CDC
Exercise and immunity: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Lack of sleep: Can it make you sick? – Mayo Clinic
Sleep and Immune System (healthline.com)
Winter Illness Guide | Johns Hopkins Medicine