Immunity Boost for Winter

By:  Maria



Winter is at our heels and with that comes the inevitable cold and flu that will leave us feeling wretched and cause us to miss work and functions.  But what if you and everyone in your family didn't succumb to any illness during the winter?  Sound too good to be true?  It's not.

Our immune system seems more vulnerable during cold, winter months.  Why is that?  There are theories out there that are silly and other theories that make absolute sense.  Let's not waste time on silliness and get right into some sense.

Cold weather can tend to put some stress on our immune system, yes, but if your immune system is strong at the beginning of the cold weather system, you will not fall prey to illness.  If your immune system is already weakened, it will not have the ability to fight off infection that tends to go around our offices, schools and any frequented indoor building.

Some of the sources that will weaken our immune system:

•  Toxins - most people have an accumulation of toxins in their bodies that contribute to a stressed immune system.  Junk food, medications (drugs), sugars, excessive alcohol, allergens are all toxins contributing to a weakened immune system.
• Nutritional Deficiencies - when we do not provide our bodies the necessary nutrients needed for optimal health, our immune system becomes compromised and susceptible to infections.  A steady stream of quality food becomes vital to a strong immune system.
• Insufficient Hydration - when we become dehydrated, we lessen our body's ability to remove toxins/waste material efficiently.
• Lack of Physical Activity - we all know this is important.  What many of us do not realize, is that we don't have to kill ourselves 6-7 days a week for over an hour in order to boost our immune system.  As a matter of fact, this type of physical activity puts stress on the body and, therefore, weakens the immune system.  Consistency is more important.  Moderate exercise 4-5x a week; doing anything you enjoy that will get and keep your heart pumping faster than at any other time of the day.  An increase in circulation will help tremendously.
• Lack of Rest - probably the most neglected component to boosting immunity.  Your body will become stressed without consistent sleep in your routine.  Getting quality 7-9 hours of sleep is crucial to attain a strong immune system.  Listen to this with absolute seriousness.

So what can we do to strengthen our immune system?

Easy...

•  Avoid the Sugar -  It is well documented that sugar (in all its forms) is immune suppressant. What many do not realize is that it encourages inflammation and is fuel for cancer cells. Nothing good comes out of consuming sugar.  Avoid all sugar - even the "trendy health" sugars - and you will be well on your way to a stronger immune system.
• Sleep - I've said this before, get 7-9 hours of sleep consistently and magic things will happen to your health.
• Eat immune boosting foods - Dark, green, leafy vegetables should be on the top of your list in terms of vegetables.  Sweet potatoes and tubers are excellent source of vitamins and minerals.  Purchase vegetables and fruits that are in season and your body will more readily utilize those vitamins and minerals versus always eating the same vegetables and fruits year around.
• Hand washing - This one is easy.  You don't have to be germ phobic about this routine, but using common sense during the winter months is crucial.

This winter, make it a priority to boost your immune system and avoid falling prey to illness!