As summer comes to a close and the weather begins to cool, the risks of getting sick increase. Dry air negatively impacts the respiratory system, making it easier to get sick. Also, viruses thrive in dry air, encouraging them to replicate. As the new school year starts and more events move indoors, it can be difficult to know how to protect yourself from illness. Strengthening your immune system naturally can help prevent illness, as well as promote overall health. Keep reading to learn methods to stay healthy this winter.
Preventative Care – Immunizations
Covid-19, the common cold, and the flu are the most common illnesses that most people think of when considering the risk of getting sick. Despite how common these ailments are, they can have serious side effects. That’s why it’s important to be up to date with your immunizations for flu, Covid, and RSV.
The best time to get flu shots is September or October, shortly after they become available. Getting your annual shots can help you avoid the health complications, stress, and financial consequences that come with being infected by one of these viruses.
Stay Hydrated
As it gets cooler outside, it can become more difficult to remember to stay hydrated, especially if you are older. However, making sure you have adequate hydration is one of the most important steps to ensuring whole-body wellness.
Dehydration has a negative impact on numerous body functions, which can result in a weakened immune system. The consequences of dehydration on digestion, heart, and kidney function can increase the likelihood that you could get sick.
Prioritize Healthy Sleep Habits
Adequate sleep is absolutely essential to proper immune function. Studies demonstrate the link between a lack of sleep and illness, revealing that adults who get less than 6 hours of sleep per night have a higher likelihood of getting sick. This is in part caused by a low level of cytokines, proteins that aid immune function that are produced during the sleep cycle. Additionally, a lack of sleep reduces cells and antibodies in the body.
Over the long term, sleep deprivation negatively impacts numerous body systems, increasing the risk of chronic illness that can make you even more vulnerable to infectious disease.
Stay Active
Being physically active benefits whole body wellness, and immune function is no exception. The immune benefits of exercise are numerous, as it helps flush bacteria from the respiratory system, promotes circulation of antibodies, slows the release of stress hormones, and causes a slight increase in body temperature, which is believed to help prevent bacteria growth.
It’s important to note that overexertion can cause harm to immune function. If you are already moderately active, it’s not necessary to increase the intensity of your routine to receive immune-boosting benefits.
Stay Nourished
Your body won’t be able to fight illness effectively without the proper fuel. Ensuring your body has the vitamins and nutrients it needs helps empower the immune system to function properly. You can do this in a few ways, the most obvious being through diet. Whole plant foods contain antioxidants, helping to combat inflammation, which is linked to many health conditions.
Certain healthy fats also have anti-inflammatory properties that can further benefit your immune system. Whole plant foods also contain fiber, which helps maintain your gut microbiome, further aiding immunity. Another type of food that aids the gut microbiome is probiotics, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Consider Supplementation
If your body isn’t getting sufficient nutrients, you may want to consider taking supplements. The fastest method of supplementation is intravenous therapy. Once relegated to health centers, this treatment is now available in the comfort of your home from a licensed and trained concierge medical practice. IV therapy can involve individual vitamins or a blended formula of many vitamins and nutrients intended to address specific health concerns.
One of the best-known formulas used for its immune-boosting properties is the Myers Cocktail. This formula includes electrolytes, Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and Magnesium. These ingredients help fight inflammation, aid in energy production, and function as antioxidants to protect your body from free radicals. Treatments take 30-45 minutes, allowing your body to use ingredients right away instead of having to wait for the digestive cycle to complete.
Last Words
Many of the natural methods to boost immunity we’ve reviewed are centered around whole-body wellness. While these seem like simple efforts to make, the reality is that many people struggle with maintaining their health due to busy schedules and other factors. IV therapy is a fast and effective treatment that can help refresh you and ensure your body is fueled to fight illness. If you are interested in Myers Cocktail in NYC, consider reaching out to a concierge medical practice today to receive treatment on your schedule in the comfort of your home or office.
