With winter in full swing it’s time to figure out how you will support your immune system during these cold months! While keeping yourself warm at all times is essential, it’s also crucial to be mindful of the side effects of central heating, such as dehydration and dry skin. So, you should acquire several healthy habits to maintain your health in good condition this winter.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help you improve your health during the winter months. They include but are not limited, to enriching your diet with immune-boosting foods, staying hydrated, running regular health check-ups, maintaining deep sleep, hygiene, and preventing vitamin D deficiency. Follow on for 8 Ways to Improve Your Health This Winter!
1. Eat Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Vitamin C is immune-regulating nutrient, which helps boost the production of white blood cells, which in turn are responsible for immune system response. Besides, vitamin C supports the production of antibodies that keep your body protected against various infections.
So, what are the best sources of vitamin C? Here is a list of things you can add to your diet:
- Citrus fruits
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Strawberries
- Cauliflower
- Pineapple
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Chili peppers
2. Run Regular Health Check-ups
To maintain a healthy immune system this winter, you should run regular health check-ups. Visiting a doctor at least once a year can save you from developing several chronic diseases.
Nowadays, many doctors use quick-response tests (usually purchased from a molecular diagnostics company) to provide you with fast and accurate results. Thanks to this, you can get your results almost immediately during a check-up.
3. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of fatigue during the winter season. Consequently, it can cause the development of several health problems. The best way to avoid dehydration is to drink enough water.
Many healthy drinks are ideal for the winter months. Some examples include:
- Green tea
- Oolong tea
- Black tea
- Buttermilk
- Hot chocolate
- Vegetable juice
- Herbal teas with honey
4. Exercise Regularly
Exercises such as walking and cycling can improve the immune system by increasing oxygen levels in your blood, and boosting blood circulation. Moreover, physical exercises increase the production of white blood cells and antibodies. Thus, staying active is crucial for boosting your immunity this winter.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and keeping you vital this winter. Lack of sleep can affect your immune system and negatively impact its functioning. Studies show that poor sleep depth can lead to decreased immune function and increased risk of infections and illness. So, it would be best if you slept at least eight hours every night to keep your immune system in good condition this winter.
6. Practice Good Hygiene
Being hygienic is another way to prevent infections and maintain good health this winter season. Regular hand washing will help you prevent infections such as colds and flu as well as other contagious diseases.
In addition to hand washing, you need to shower at least once a day to protect yourself from infections and increase your energy levels during the winter months. Moreover, clean your house regularly. For instance, use a disinfectant to kill germs on your floors and bathroom surfaces regularly. Remember to soap up everything from floors to doorknobs!
7. Avoid Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system by increasing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Besides, vitamin D also reduces inflammation, making you feel better during cold days when you might have a runny nose.
As we get less sunlight during winter, you might want to start taking a vitamin D supplement. This way, you will support your immune system and stay healthy!
8. Manage Your Stress Levels
The winter season is not devoid of stressful events. Every year, many people rush to beat holiday deadlines, which can lead to increased stress levels. However, stress can have physical consequences, including lowered immunity.
To prevent stress-related infections this winter, definitely find time to relax and transform your stress.
To do this, try relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises. Moreover, you should determine if you are overworking or overcommitting yourself to work which can actually be counterproductive. If you do any of those things, you might want to take a few days off to recharge your batteries.
The key to staying healthy during the winter months is to adopt several healthy habits. This way, you will not have to make sudden changes in order to start reaping the benefits of your improved lifestyle. You can start transforming your daily habits by eating more vitamin C-rich foods, drinking plenty of fluids, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, practicing good hygiene, avoiding vitamin D deficiency, and running regular health check-ups.
All of these things can make the difference between having a wonderful winter or spending most of your time sick in bed! How are you optimising yourself for this winter? Let us know in the comments below, and feel free to join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram! Always remember that, regardless of season, prevention is always better than cure…
