If you’re like me this time of year makes you want to stay inside. Not because of the cold weather but ALL. THE. GERMS. I’ve literally unconsciously (and obviously) backed away from coughing people in the supermarket checkout line. We all know we should wash up and cover our coughs and sneezes but here are five other methods that can help keep you from being sick AF this season.
Sleep
While the relationship between sleep and the immune system is complicated lack of sleep can mimic the effects of stress within your body and make your more vulnerable to illnesses. Most experts suggest between 7-9 hours a night and shitty sleep doesn’t cut it. Read our post on how to get quality zzz’s.
Eat your vitamins
Eating right is important all the time (just like getting enough rest) but it can make a difference to stuff your mouth full of healthy foods in fall and winter. Vitamins A, C and E are important. Vitamin A can be found in red and orange foods like carrots and red pepper as well as in spinach. Vitamin C can be found in Emergen-C, kidding. Vitamin C is the most talked about immune boosting vitamin so get your share in citrus fruits, strawberries, blueberries and kiwis among other fruits. You can find vitamin E in nuts and nut butters. Zinc is also beneficial for keeping a healthy immune system and is found in seafood, lean meats, beans and seeds.
Herbals
If you like your supplements it can hurt to add a few herbals to the mix. While there is some evidence to show that some herbals alter the function of immune components there is no conclusive evidence that they bolster your immune system. A popular herbal for immune boosting properties is Black Elderberry. You can easily find it by stepping into your local Target but for other herbals like Olive Leaf, Astragalus and Echinacea you may have to traverse your local health foods store. If you do find yourself with the sniffles we love this soothing tonic recipe (sneak a little Elderberry syrup into the mix).
Exercise
We know it’s cold outside but getting 20-30 minutes of moderate activity a few times a week can help lower stress (remember that sleep thing?) and has anti-inflammatory effects that boost your immune system.
Hit the sheets *wink wink*
Yes, sex can help bolster your immune system. It can help lower stress and counts as a form of physical exercise (who says you need to hit the gym or get out in the cold to run). Just remember to practice safe sex and keep away from your partner if they have cold.