8 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Immune System

At this time of the year, it’s common to suffer from coughs and colds and other winter bugs. It can feel as though they follow, one after the other, and we spend most of the winter fighting off illness and never quite feeling our best. This can mean that we are unable to enjoy the season, work productively or make the most of our time with our family and friends. It can also mean that we are more likely to face the winter blues, which can have a serious impact on our mental health long after the weather has improved. While colds and other minor bugs are common and perfectly normal, there is, fortunately, a lot that you can do to maintain a healthy immune system, and give yourself the best chance of staying healthy, or at least fighting off illness quickly. 

Make Changes to Your Diet

When it comes to boosting your immune system, the first and often most effective thing that you can do is make changes to your diet. Make sure you are eating lots of immune-boosting fruit and veg, as well as things like yogurt and other dairy, and foods high in protein like chicken and fish, to boost your energy levels. You should also make sure you are drinking lots of water to keep your body hydrated and working well. 

Add Supplements

In theory, we can get most of the vitamins and nutrients that we need from our diets. But in winter, when there are a lot of bugs around, we can need a little extra help to feel our best. A vitamin C and zinc supplement can help to boost your immune system and your energy levels, and a natural histamine blocker can improve your gut health and help you to keep a healthy balance. Try this one from Vitamonk for good health this winter. 

Maintain a Healthy Weight

When we’re overweight, our bodies have to work harder all of the time. Being overweight can also mean that we are more susceptible to colds, stomach bugs, and other illnesses, and it takes longer to recover. If you are overweight, losing some weight can help you to stay strong and healthy, increasing your energy levels and giving your body the best chance of fitting and avoiding illness. 

If you are currently a healthy weight, make sure you are eating well and exercising, and enjoying treats in moderation to maintain your current weight. 

Get Plenty of Sleep

Our bodies need sleep to keep working well. Getting plenty of sleep is essential if you want to maintain a good immune system and good overall health. Try to stick to good sleep routines, make sure your bedroom is comfortable, and that you are eating well and exercising. 

Relax and Minimize Stress

Stress is very bad for our immune systems. When we’re stressed, we’re more likely to become unwell, as our bodies are run down. Sleeping, exercising, spending time with friends, and learning how to say no and leave work at work, are all great ways to reduce your stress levels. Then, make sure you’ve got plenty of ways to relax, like reading, exercising, and enjoying creative hobbies. 

Reduce Alcohol Intake

Alcohol is another thing that makes it harder to stay healthy. Limiting alcohol and enjoying it in moderation while increasing your water intake can boost your immunity. 

Enjoy Regular Exercise

Regular exercise reduces stress and blood pressure, helps you to maintain a healthy weight, improves circulation, and decreases blood sugar and fatigue, all of which can help you to maintain a healthy immune system. 

Head to the Doctors

Getting regular check-ups can help to make sure you are doing everything that you can to stay healthy. It gives you chance to check your blood pressure, and to make sure any medication that you are taking is working well, and that you are up to date on any vaccines. 

A healthy immune system is a valuable thing, especially in wintertime. These small changes are fairly easy to make and stick to and can have a big effect on your health.