Boost Your Immune System In The Cold!
Lately we’ve been putting a lot of focus on the weather getting warmer here in Australia (we get very excited at Summer time) however we hope this hasn’t come across as negligent to our Northern Hemisphere counterparts. Health is something to consider all year round – so we just wanted to touch base with our beautiful customers who are about to endure winter! So, as the weather gets colder and flu season enters, it’s time to give your immune system a little extra love. Here’s a run down on how to keep healthy despite the cold!
Why We Get Sick in the Winter
While we don’t know exactly why colds and stomach viruses tend to peak during wintertime, we have some strong ideas.
- Cold Air, Less Moisture: Cold air and lower humidity may make it easier for viruses to survive in the environment.
- More Time Indoors: Winter weather often keeps us indoors more than warm weather, giving viruses greater opportunity to spread.
- Less Fresh Air: Buildings have less ventilation than the outdoors, providing viruses the ideal conditions to hop from one host to another.
- Lack of Sunshine: With less direct sun exposure in the winter, we lose the levels of vitamin D necessary for the activation of the immune system.
- Processed Foods: During the holiday season we often eat more processed foods than usual. These foods are loaded with chemicals, poor-quality oils, and sugar. For many people, processed foods are toxic triggers, overworking the immune system and causing inflammation.
- Lack of Sleep: The immune system uses large amounts of energy to ward off infections. Proper rest is one of the most important tools to boost the immune system and reduce stress, especially during the winter.
Boost Your Immune System
Now that we understand the possible causes of our increased susceptibility to colds in the winter, let’s get to what we can do about it. Thankfully there are lots of ways we can help prevent colds, and even speed up recovery if we get one.
The tools to overcome colds are a combination of vitamin supplements, flu-beating drink suggestions, and lifestyle practices to support your immune system (4,5). Start adding them into your life now to stay healthy and happy all winter long.
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