5 Lifestyle Tips to Naturally Improve Your Immunity This Winter

With the winter season in full swing, common colds and flus are becoming more prevalent among both adults and children. When exposure to cooler weather is combined with high stress and poor nutrition, the immune system takes an even bigger hit. Here are some simple suggestions to help you stay healthy, resilient, and energized throughout the winter season.

Sleep

Winter is a natural hibernation season. Providing your body with adequate rest will assist in maintaining immune function, and will also allow time for essential healing and recovery.

Nourish

Eat plenty of fresh whole foods that are packed with a variety of nutrients to nourish your immune system. Dark leafy greens are especially filled with vitamins and minerals, and bone broth soups provide key nutrients in addition to the comfort of enjoying a warming bowl of soup. Avoid refined sugars, which suppress immune function.

Move

Mild-moderate exercise reduces stress, and improves circulation and the flow of nutrients in the body. Exercising outside in a nature setting further activates the immune system to help fight off infection. 

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy has been used for centuries to boost immune function. Simply alternate exposure to hot and cold water, which is easiest to perform in the shower. This dramatically improves circulation, which increases the influx of nutrients and release of waste products on a cellular level. A good starting ratio is 30-60 seconds of hot water, followed by 5-10 seconds of cold water, repeated 3 times.

Relax

Deep breathing and meditation calm the nervous system and lower stress, which can otherwise put a strain on the immune system. The goal is to switch the body from a stressed sympathetic state to a primarily relaxed parasympathetic state, where healing, rest and recovery occur best.

Keep immune function strong with these lifestyle approaches for a healthier winter season!

Disclaimer: this information is meant to be general and for informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a licensed healthcare practitioner for personal medical care and prior to starting new treatment.