How to Boost Your Immunity In 24 Hours
Boost your immunity fast and stay healthy this holiday season with these 6 health-boosting tips…
The holidays are upon us, and there’s nothing worse than fighting your way through a nasty cold or flu while traveling or trying to enjoy holiday events with your loved ones! However, the effects of limited sunlight and being cooped up indoors can be compounded by the added stress of the holiday season, so it’s important to take steps to boost your immunity in order to stay healthy this time of year. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to boost your immunity and stay healthy during the holidays.
Whether you feel a cold coming on, or you just want to make sure you are able to fight off any pathogens you may be exposed to while traveling, the 6 tips below will help give your immune system a quick boost when you need it most:
1.) Stay Hydrated
Drink up! “Rehydrating after you wake up is a great way to get your day off to a good start,” says Dr. Jenna Macciochi. “Drinking will help with flushing the lymphatic system that transports lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. Unlike the blood circulation system, which uses the heart as a pump, the lymphatics is an open network of vessels, with no central pump, that helps maintain the water balance of the body and is responsible for removing waste products collected by your cells. The lymphatics also act as a drainage system, making it important to rehydrate after sleep.”
2.) Take supplements
It can be tempting to reach for cold and flu tablets if you feel like you’re coming down with something but instead reach for essential nutrients. “Have some supplements, specifically zinc and vitamin C,” advises nutritionist and personal trainer Tess Glynne-Jones (thetessmethod.com). “Studies show that these two supplements help to decrease the longevity of colds and can help prevent them all together. Other supplements to consider are cod liver oil and vitamin D. These will help increase the body’s ability to fight inflammation, therefore reducing the onset of poor immune function.”
3.) Walk in the park
“Walking outdoors soothes the ‘fight or flight’ parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to reduce stress levels,” explains Tess. “Elevated levels of stress can reduce the body’s ability to fight off infection. Go for a stroll in a nice environment, and without music, to reap the full benefits.” If you don’t feel like going outside, make a conscious effort to keep active around the house. “Studies show that moving regularly throughout the day is much more beneficial than being sedentary,” adds Dr. Jenna. “This benefits the immune system, as moving will pump lymphatic fluid around the body, helping your immune cells to carry out their function.”
4.) Catch some rays
“Whether it’s as part of your lunch break or slightly later, try to head out into the sun when it’s at its strongest for 15 minutes,” says nutritional therapist and natural health expert, Rachel Kelly (natureprovides.com). “Vitamin D is incredibly important for maintaining a strong immune system, and many people aren’t getting enough sun to enable their bodies to produce the optimum amount. Studies show vitamin D has a key role in modulating innate immunity, thereby reducing your risk of infectious diseases. While sun exposure is by far the best way to naturally raise your vitamin D levels in the winter months you may want to turn to a supplement to get your fill.”
5.) Rest and relax
“Use magnesium to relax tired muscles and help aid restful sleep,” recommends Dr. Jenna. “Magnesium is essential for over 300 reactions in the body, including many vital functions of the immune system and protection from inflammatory stress. Green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds are the best dietary source, but multiple studies demonstrate that even a healthy modern diet can precipitate a magnesium deficiency. Epsom salt baths are a great way to get your dose and taking a warm bath also helps with triggering sleep hormones such as melatonin.”
6.) Hit the hay
“Your immune system does its best work while you sleep,” advises Katherine. “Try not to go to bed any later than 11 pm and aim for at least eight hours of restful sleep.”
Read more at NaturalHealthMagazine.co.uk…
