There are numerous diet and lifestyle changes that you can make besides the usual advice to wash your hands often and get the flu shot to help stay healthy this cold and flu season.
Reduce the intake of sugar, alcohol, and processed foods and instead eat a healthy diet high in nutrient rich foods like pumpkins. Its Fall and even though you do not see the leaves changing in Florida you see pumpkins all around. Pumpkins are high in beta carotene which converts to Vitamin A. Vitamin A, a potent antioxidant, may stimulate white blood cells to destroy the influenza virus and help prevent damage to the upper respiratory tract. Start incorporating pumpkins into soups and baking goods. Check out our Facebook page for a delicious fall soup recipe.
Reduce stress. Not only can stress negatively affect your sleep but it can also negatively impact your immune system. Start incorporating stress reducing techniques like working out, practicing yoga, meditation, and boxed breathing. Boxed breathing is a relaxation technique that can help clear the mind, relax the body, and improve focus.
Take a probiotic. Beneficial bacteria are found throughout the body, in the lungs, nose, respiratory system and the digestive system this is known as the microbiome. Researchers have found that the microbiome can stop virus replication. Researchers have also found that people who take a probiotic supplement are less likely to suffer from upper respiratory tract infection.
Incorporate supplements known to boost the immune system. Most people have heard of echinacea and Vitamin C. But there are numerous other vitamins, herbs and even mushrooms that can boost the immune system.
