Our body is equipped with a beautiful immune system that fights off all kinds of infections. It creates antibodies, healthy cells and does many other things to keep us healthy. Our immune system does a fantastic job of putting up with the harmless germs living within us and all the while identifying and fighting against the harmful ones that can cause illness and disease.
The immune system can be a matter of concern during winters. It is when a person’s immune response may get adversely affected, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. One of the primary reasons for this is reduced vitamin D levels. With little care and attention, the situation can be controlled and corrected with some easy steps to adopt positive lifestyle changes for winter:
- Relax, laugh, and enjoy life. It is essential to take the time to enjoy and have fun. Stress can weaken the immune system and makes us more vulnerable to illness.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Exercise every day.
- Consume whole foods: whole grains, nuts, pulses, and legumes.
- Include class 1 Protein in your diet: Animal Proteins, Milk, and Milk products.
- Use herbs and spices such as onions, garlic, ginger, black peppercorn, curry, and turmeric.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is very important.
- Eat loads of vitamin C-rich foods, including all citrus fruits such as amla, lemon, oranges, tangerine, and grapefruit.
- Ensure vitamin D exposure. It is the sunshine vitamin; hence stay sun-kissed.
- Keep a check on Zinc intake. It is a trace element but vital, found in seafood, poultry, dairy products, nuts, and beans.
- Detoxify your body. The immune system is burdened with toxins; hence periodical detoxification is a must. Herbs are excellent detoxifiers. To make juices, smoothies, and nutritional drinks from herbs and fruits such as orange, grapefruit, green apple, carrot, beet, carrot, ginger, and apple are among the tastier ways to stay healthy.
- Consume probiotics for gut health. Yogurt and Yakult effectively help.
- Reduce Sugar consumption. It is responsible for inflammation, making the body highly susceptible to flu and cold.
- Avoid Antibiotics. Try to find a natural alternative first and avoid antibiotics whenever possible. Antibiotics attack good bacteria in the digestive system and suppress immune functions.
