Why You Should Boost Your Immune System All Year Round!
It's common knowledge that you are most likely to catch a nasty bug in the colder months, however there are many reasons why you should maintain a healthy immune system all year round. Here's why and what you can do!
PREP FOR 'FLU SEASON'
'Flu season' tends to rear it's ugly head around November. With the influx of germs comes the frantic immune boosting attempts, with most of us wishing we'd prepared in advance instead of waiting to be hit by the plague! By boosting your immune system in advance you'll be less likely to suffer from the cold that's doing the rounds!
SUMMER COLDS
Not only should we be preparing our immune systems in advance for the winter colds, Dr. Bruce Hirsch (physician for infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y) has reported that summer colds often last longer AND have a higher chance of recurring! (1) Don't assume you're safe from colds during the warmer months!
PLANES
Let's not forget that with the summer comes holidays and travelling on planes - basically a flying germ capsule! Microbiologists have tested planes and found that germs can survive for hours and even days after the passenger who brought them on board has departed (2). Gross.
Maintaining a strong immune system by healthy lifestyle choices throughout the year will help fight off illnesses; because quite frankly we're too damn busy to be ill!
HOW TO HELP BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
GET PLENTY OF ZZZZ'S
Certain hormones, proteins, and chemicals are released whilst we sleep and it's these bad boys that help restore our immune system! The University of Pennsylvania has found that even short-term sleep loss can have a significant impact on how our immune system functions (3).
WORK IT!
We already know that regular exercise is good for our health, but a study has found that a 20-minute session of moderate exercise per day can also stimulate the immune system and produce an anti-inflammatory cellular response (4). Another great reason to get off that butt and start working out!
A SPOT OF SUN
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that Vitamin D is essential to activating our immune defences. Without sufficient vitamin D the killer cells in our immune system will not be able to fight off infections in your body (6). You only need 15 minutes in the sun to absorb your daily dose of vitamin D - a perfect excuse to grab a brew and chill on your lunch break. (7)
**IMPORTANT: Too much sun can cause skin damage. Avoid prolonged periods of time in direct sunlight and make sure you wear sun screen if you are going to be in the sun for longer than 15 minutes.**
IMMUNITY FOOD BOOSTER ON EVERYTHING!!
Made from nothing but organic turmeric, maca, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper, Immunity Food Booster is high and iron and copper which contributes to the normal function of the immune system (8)! You only need to add 1 - 2 teaspoons in your food. It's aromatic flavour lends itself perfectly to curries, soups, dips and golden milk - sprinkle that good s*** everywhere!
