Winter brings with it the joys of holidays, vacations, snow sports, and cozy nights by the fireplace. However, it is also the season when we are at greater risk of catching colds, the flu, and other infections. With a multitude of theories about why this happens, such as viruses thriving in colder weather or a lack of immune-boosting vitamin D, how can we best protect ourselves during this time? Enhancing our ability to fight off viruses is crucial, and with a few simple measures, we can ensure better health throughout the year.
Common Sense Recommendations
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent viral infections is to regularly wash our hands. Viruses can persist on surfaces, such as door knobs and conference tables, for hours or even days. While it can be difficult to know who may have touched a shared item before you, regularly washing your hands can help lower the risk of getting infected.
Getting adequate sleep is another essential factor in maintaining good health. When we don’t get enough rest, our immune system suffers. Setting a consistent bedtime of around 11 p.m. and sticking with it can work wonders.
Proper hydration is also key for a healthy immune system. Inadequate hydration inhibits immune cells’ ability to communicate threats and increases inflammation, which both work against your immune system’s defenses. Remember that dehydration is even more of a risk during cold weather compared to summer heat.
Maintaining an active lifestyle is yet another proven way to support your immunity. Exercise doesn’t need to be intensive to have significant benefits. Simple activities like taking a 30-minute walk in nature can help boost your immune system and overall well-being.
Nourish the System
A well-rounded diet is essential for a strong immune system. However, we often neglect nutrition by skipping meals, eating processed foods or overindulging, especially during the holidays. Incorporate lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats, and colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet for immune support.
Modulating Immunity
Mushrooms, both medicinal and culinary, are excellent for supporting your immune system. Their cell walls contain beta-glucans, a type of carbohydrate that has been shown to energize immune cells and help them orchestrate a strong response against invaders. Medicinal mushrooms, such as Coriolus, Ganoderma, Agaricus, and Cordyceps, help to balance and modulate immunity to function optimally while providing additional health benefits.
Antiviral Herbs
In addition to bolstering the immune system, various botanicals offer direct antiviral activity. These can be incorporated into your diet as teas, infusions, cooking ingredients, capsules, or tinctures. Some powerful antiviral botanicals include Astragalus, Elderberry, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon Balm, Licorice root, Olive leaf, Oregano, and Siberian Ginseng.
The Tibetan herbal formula can also provide immune and cardiovascular support. This blend, which has been used for thousands of years, combines Iceland moss, cardamom fruit, costus root, beal tree fruit, golden cinquefoil herb, chebulic myrobalan, red saunders, and other antioxidant-rich botanicals. With more than 50 years of published clinical studies substantiating its benefits, this formula is one of the most trusted around the world for its immune support and other benefits.
By following these simple steps to boost our immune system, we can ensure extra vitality and better long-term health, not just during the cold and flu season but throughout the year.
