The first thing to know is that there is limited scientific research on many of the so-called “cures” for a cold — and we don’t know which ones actually work.
Are Your Eating Habits Helping or Hurting Your Immune System?
You’ve heard of the phrase “you are what you eat”, and it couldn’t be more true. What you eat has a huge impact on your health, including your immune system.
Foods that help to boost your immune system are healthy and include foods such as garlic, onion, pineapple, celery, and acai berries.
How Do I Boost My Immune System?
There are many ways to boost your immune system, here are just a few of the top methods:
Get Enough Sleep
A good way to boost your immune system is to sleep.
Sleeping can help your body’s natural defenses recover from stress and the wear of the day. Good sleep will also make you less susceptible to catching a cold.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Consuming large amounts of water can help flush toxins from the body before they have an opportunity to damage the body’s tissues and suppress your immune system.
Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day, but this amount can vary depending on your activity level and the temperature outside.
If you find swallowing difficult, mix water or your fluids with Simply Thick individual EasyMix packets to thicken them up and make them easier to swallow.
Improve Your Vitamin Regimen
One of the best ways to boost your immune system is by getting enough vitamins and minerals in your system.
There are many nutrients needed for a healthy immune system, including B vitamins (cobalamin or B12), vitamin C and zinc.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Having too much body fat can suppress your immune system.
A healthy weight is best for your body and will help your immune system fight off the cold virus.
Exercise Regularly
Getting regular exercise is another great way to boost your immune system because it helps to keep things in check by preventing inflammation, which could lead to a cold or flu. Exercise also keeps blood flow strong and helps you sleep better at night.
Exercising regularly can help you manage stress better — one of the primary triggers for getting sick. If it’s not possible for you to get into regular exercise, try at least walking on a daily basis.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can make you feel tired and worn out, but it also has the potential to make you sick by suppressing your immune system.
When you are sick, colds or flu can take many forms ranging from mild to severe, but they will generally get worse if you drink too much alcohol.
That being said, a traditional hot toddy can make you feel much better when you have a cold, but be sure to aim for moderation!
Eat Healthy Fats
Fats play a very important role in the body. They’re used to speed up cell communication and are also vital in immune system function.
When you eat healthy fats, your body can respond better to infection.
