Boost Your immunity This Winter
As cold and flu season approaches, and with the holidays just around the corner, strengthening your immune system is more important than ever. CNN recently highlighted three key lifestyle choices, backed by health experts, that can substantially improve your resistance to illness.
Get Moving: Regular exercise isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s a powerful immune booster. Staying active reduces the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, and stimulates your immune system. Actually, the CDC reports that sufficient exercise can even lower your risk of dying from infections like the flu and pneumonia. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each week – think brisk walking, cycling, or a workout routine.
Nourish Your Body: What you eat matters. Limiting ultra-processed foods – including snacks,fast food,ready-made meals,and sugary drinks – is crucial for optimal immune function. These foods are often packed with additives that can contribute to inflammation and disrupt your immune system. Studies show a high intake of ultra-processed foods can even shorten lifespan by over 10% and increase the risk of being overweight, further weakening immunity. Focus instead on a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins.
Prioritize Sleep: Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s rest! Sleep deprivation negatively impacts your immune system, increasing your susceptibility to illness. Consistently getting less than seven hours of sleep per night raises your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and weight gain. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night, maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Improve sleep quality by avoiding screens before bed and creating a dark,quiet,and cool bedroom habitat.
