Boost Your Immunity to Fight Off the Flu!

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As the flu is touring the nation the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is campaigning for everyone to get the flu shot ASAP. If you have not been vaccinated please check out this link for more information. For those who have already taken that step try some of the lifestyle factors below to stay strong and boost your immunity.

1. Eat Garlic

Garlic is a natural antibacterial agent! It’s a serious germ fighter that helps the body fight off any unwanted bacteria. The most potent, therapeutic way to consume garlic is raw. (I know, it can be a bit on the intense side!) So, instead of eating it straight up, try adding raw garlic to salad dressings, hummus and dips. Another way to ease up on the intensity is to crush a clove of garlic and eat it spread on a piece of apple…

2. Boost Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and super supporter of your immune system. It is know for decreasing the severity of colds, so even if you have already got the bug load up on vitamin C to help ease the pain. Great vitamin C sources in the wintertime include those dark leafy greens as well as rutabaga, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lemon and persimmon (if you live in California at least!) Want to really up the game? Have a green juice with kale, lemon and ginger everyday.


3. Get Enough Sleep and Manage Your Stress

When you compromise on sleep and experience a lot of stress, you are also weakening your body’s immune system and ability to fight off colds and flu's.

It’s not a coincidence that you get sick right around the time of an exam, a big presentation at work or maybe even right after the Holidays (let’s face it: they can be very stressful, too). Prioritize active rest, like some gentle restorative yoga, practice deep breathing, meditate, go for a walk – what ever it is that works for you. But do something and get your 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.

4. Ginger Up

Ginger is a great inflammation- and pain reliever. But that’s not all! It’s also an anti-viral agent helping to boost your immune system. Ginger also has a nice warming effect on the body in the colder winter months and helps resolve mucus build up. It’s digestive benefits are also worth mentioning, off course!

5. Kick the Sugar

Let your sugar come from immunity boosting fresh fruits and sweet root vegetables, not candy bars, cookies and soda. Sugar weakens your immune system and causes inflammation in the body. Not a good combo when you want to fight off a stubborn virus!

Other flu-fighting techniques:
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away.
  • Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze.
  • Use alcohol-based hand wipes and gel sanitizers if soap and water are not available.
  • Stay home from work or school if you are sick.

Visit CDC’s website to find out what to do if you get sick with the flu and how to care for someone at home who is sick with the flu.

Comments

  1. AnkitaMarch 21, 2020 at 2:56 AM

    I like these flu-fighting techniques and it is very helpful. To boost immunity along with foods take Herbal Chyawanprash daily can helps to you more better for immunity.

    ReplyDelete

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