Flu season is here and if you haven’t already been working to boost your immune system, it’s time to start! Don’t rely on just getting your flu shot – it’s vital you take steps at home to stay as healthy as possible. This year’s shot doesn’t guarantee protection against new strains, such as the H7N9 avian virus, which has the potential to cause a pandemic.
In 2013, the H7N9 virus began circulating among poultry in China and has since infected nearly 1,600 people, with nearly 40% dying as a result. Not only can humans get this virus from infected chickens, they can also pass it on to each other. Furthermore, the virus has shown resistance to typical flu-fighting treatments like Tamiflu.
Staying well and fighting off flu viruses, even when strong drugs like Tamiflu aren’t effective, means focusing on keeping your immune system strong. Here are five steps you can take to boost your immune system and get ready for flu season:
1. Heal Your Gut
Immune health starts in your gut, with the healthy bacteria that reside there. Taking probiotics and consuming fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi daily can help strengthen your gut health. It’s also essential to consume enough fiber to ward off superbugs and disease.
2. Eat Well
Avoid sugar, gluten, and processed foods that can irritate and inflame your gut and weaken your immune system. Reducing your consumption of these inflammatory foods can significantly improve your overall health.
3. Stay Active
Exercise is an excellent immune booster. Research shows that people who regularly exercise have fewer colds. Staying active will help keep your immune system strong and protect you against flu viruses.
4. Rest
Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. Aim for eight to nine hours of quality sleep each night, and don’t hesitate to take some time each day for a power nap. Sleep is one of the best natural cold and flu prevention methods.
5. Optimize Vitamin D
Getting enough vitamin D is vital for immune health and can make a significant difference between getting sick and staying flu-free. Multiple studies have linked low vitamin D levels to respiratory infections. Aim for 15-20 minutes a day of safe sun exposure or choose a high-quality D3 supplement with at least 5,000 IUs per day. A preventative step as simple as increasing your vitamin D intake may cut your colds and flu by half.
Boost your immune system using these five steps to stay healthy and safe during the flu season. Prioritizing your gut health, eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep, and optimizing your vitamin D levels will ensure your immune system is strong enough to protect you from infection.
