Cooler weather brings so many wonderful things: oversized sweaters, cozy blankets, stunning fall foliage, evenings spent by the fire, hot chocolate, snowfall and the holiday season. Of course with all of the festivities and comfort of the chilly weather comes the dreaded cold and flu season. No matter how hard we try to avoid getting ill, there are times when we find ourselves sniffling, sneezing and staying in bed due to a cold or the flu. Don’t let the lower temperatures get in the way of all of the fun activities you have planned for the upcoming seasons. Follow these 5 useful tips for naturally boosting your immune system!
Hang Out In The Sun
Spending time in the sun not only boosts your mood, relieves symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, it also hinders your chances of getting sick. Georgetown University recently conducted a study which showed that exposure to the sun stimulates T cells which play a prominent role in keeping your immune system solid.
Get More Exercise
As tempting as it is to snuggle under a blanket when the temperature drops, it’s essential to remain active and get in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Exercise is a major component to keeping your immune system strong and healthy. A study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that exercise encourages white blood cells to rapidly circulate, which aids your immune system in locating and fighting off illnesses quickly. Exercise also helps in clearing bacteria out of your lungs, which well help you stay healthy!
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is one of the major cornerstones of any healthy lifestyle. It’s important to get enough sleep to keep your immune system strong and stave off any illnesses. Missing out on sleep when you’re fighting off a virus can also make it harder to recover. Studies show that when you skip a good night’s rest, you’re disturbing your circadian rhythms and increasing the production of cells that suppress your immune system.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
No, you don’t have to put away your evening glass of wine. Moderate alcohol consumption comes with a number of health benefits, however excessive alcohol consumption is directly related to a weakened immune system and susceptibility to lung infections.
Eat Garlic
It’s not just an old wives tale – eating raw garlic can knock out a cold. Due to potent antioxidants, antiviral and antimicrobials and antibiotics in garlic, it can do wonders for fighting a cold and relieving the symptoms of a cold as it also works as a decongestant and expectorant. Adding heat to garlic greatly reduces its healing properties, so add crushed raw garlic to a cold dressing for veggies or mince it, add honey and olive oil, and make into a spread for a crusty slice of bread!
Laugh!
It’s true- laughter truly is the best medicine! A study from Western Kentucky University found that laughter reduces stress hormones and increases infection-fighting white blood cells. Make some time to have a giggle!
