I think it’s pretty safe to say that no one enjoys a good head cold, chest congestion, sinus headaches, fevers, or stomach bugs. Equally unpleasant is nurturing a loved one suffering from any kind of illness, especially if they are elderly or a child when the concern can be even greater.
For a long time in our culture, the focus was put on developing products for easing one’s ailments once they were sick, like suppressing coughs or lowering fevers. However, just in the last few decades we’ve shifted into the benefits of preventative health practices. While preventative health includes diet and consuming nutrients that help strengthen the immune system, it also requires a certain amount of lifestyle habits.
To help raise antibodies for this flu season, try incorporating some of these tips into your life and the lives of your loved ones:
- Clean hands: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, washing your hands is #1 in keeping germs from jumping aboard your system. Save your body the fight and suds up whenever you’re near a sink. Keep a small bottle of lotion at your desk or in your car to prevent dry hands.
- Om: That’s right, good ol’ meditation has the power to decrease the chance of catching a cold by 40 to 50%. In 2012, the University of Wisconsin conducted a study during the cold/flu season that showed fifty-one people who practiced mindfulness suffered 13 fewer illnesses and 51 fewer sick days than a control group. The thoughts are that meditation reduces the physical effects of stress that weaken the immune system.
- Sweet dreams: While many people feel well rested with only 6 or 7 hours of sleep every night, studies have shown that even a small loss of sleep (or even too much sleep) can affect the immune system in a negative way. Also, avoiding TV, video games and phone time an hour or so before you go to bed can help lower stress and increase sound sleeping.
- Keep moving: Exercise benefits the body in all ways, like immunity. When you increase blood circulation, it promotes healthy cell mobility and also alleviates stress.
- Eat your vitamins: Raw fruits and veggies provide vitamins and minerals that are vital for general health, including immune preventions. Other helpful micronutrients can be found in:
- High quality, sufficient protein
- Root vegetables
- Garlic
- Ginseng (See: White American Ginseng Extract)
- Green and black tea
- Oats and Barley (See: Activated Barley)
- Extra Boost from Mother Nature: A high-quality daily supplement can also help keep your body’s natural defenses strong. Purium’s Immune Shield and/or Immuno-Max, daily immune supports for kids and adults, are both on special this month!
