The winter blahs can often lead to the winter aaaaaahs — as in, open up and say “Aaah” to your doctor. Being cooped up indoors with lots of other people — at the office, exercise class, at the library — exposes you to a plethora of germs that can take advantage of a weakened immune system and knock you down. Boosting your immune system is a great way to reduce the chance you’ll catch something. Here are some ways to strengthen and support your body’s natural defense.
Wash
Wash your hands often and well, with warm soap and water. This is one of the best defenses against picking up germs! Hand sanitizer is not as effective but can be substituted when soap and water are unavailable.
Sleep
When you sleep, your body produces chemicals that help boost your immune system. Healthy adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep to allow their bodies to rejuvenate and recover.
Eat
There should be a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Be certain to load up on foods fortified with vitamin D, the nutrient we get from sunshine, as your exposure to the sun may be limited at this time of year.
Hydrate
Heated air dries out your mucous membranes, which help protect you from ingesting germs. Drink lots of water and consider putting humidifiers around your home.
The information in this article is not intended to replace the care and advice of your doctor. Use caution when using any homeopathic or naturalistic home remedies. Source: Mayo Clinic, “How many hours of sleep are enough for good health?”, April 2016.