As the winter weather sets in, people become more prone to seasonal illnesses, such as colds and the flu. While there is no surefire way to protect yourself from getting sick, there are some ways to help build up your tolerance. Here are 4 ways to boost your immune system:
1. Eating Well
For those who don't know, your immune system is the body's way of protecting itself from infection and disease. It fights everything from cold and flu viruses to more severe conditions such as cancer. You can build up your tolerance to sickness in many ways, including by eating a well-balanced diet. This means emphasizing the amount of fruits and vegetables you intake daily. In addition, eating plenty of whole grains and lean protein is a great way to stay healthy. If you don't think you are getting enough nutrients from your food, you can also talk to your doctor and our pharmacists about your need for nutritional supplements. It is also important to limit your intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and added sugars.
2. Physical Activity
There are so many physical benefits to exercise, including feeling better, sleeping better, and encountering less stress and anxiety. One additional benefit of staying active is that it can help to boost your resistance to disease. When you are able to maintain a healthy weight, your body will be able to fight off illnesses more efficiently. On the contrary, people with obesity have been linked in many cases to impaired immune functions. Obesity may also lower vaccine effectiveness for numerous diseases, making you more prone to contracting the illness.
3. Get Plenty of Sleep
Scientific evidence has shown in recent years that sleep loss can negatively affect many parts of your body, including your immune system. When your body doesn't get the proper amount of rest, it can not fight off illnesses the way it should. According to studies, it is recommended that adults get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night. It is also important to put your body on a consistent sleep schedule. While this can be difficult with all the things that we have going on, it is crucial for staying healthy.
4. Vitamins and Supplements
One of the most effective ways to stay healthy is by getting the right amount of vitamins and supplements. We have an array of products at our pharmacy in Missouri that can help you fight off seasonal illnesses, including vitamins, elderberry, nasal sprays, and humidifiers. During the upcoming virus season, be sure you stock up on all the essentials to keep your body healthy! At the end of the day, taking care of yourself will help your body's defense against foreign organisms.
Do you have additional questions about how to boost your immune system? Contact our pharmacy today and speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members. We can answer any of your health questions and put you on the right track to living a happier and healthier life.
