10 Ways to Boost your Immune System

Winter is synonymous with getting the flu and colds, and now more than ever before with the COVID-19 virus we need to muscle up our immune systems. 

There are a couple of steps you can take beyond keeping your work and home environment clean such as boosting your immunity and thus stopping the virus in its tracks, especially as we enter into the chilly winter months. 

These Ten Steps Will Muscle Up Your Immunity 

• Drink plenty of liquids – drinking enough water daily can help in the prevention of catching flu and colds. The reason for this is that taking sufficient fluids will stave off dehydration, will flush toxins from the body and thin out mucous. Drink in the region of two litres of liquids daily as this will assist in keeping your immunity boosted and your system healthy 

• Keep it spotless – washing your hands regularly will get rid of any germs or viruses. Use a good product such as a Savlon Hand Wash or Dettol Hand Wash which will prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus and other germs and bacteria. Furthermore, use a hand sanitiser throughout the day which will assist in keeping you free of germs throughout the cold winter months and beyond 

• Stock up on fresh produce – eat sufficient fresh fruits and veg which are rich in immune–boosting nutrients such as Vitamin E and Vitamin C, zinc and beta carotenes. Eat plenty of yellow bell peppers, guavas, dark and leafy greens, broccoli, peas and papayas (these are very rich in Vitamin C), legumes, berries and dates as well as tropical fruit and red bell peppers – all which are overflowing with the good stuff 

•  Reduce stress – it has been scientifically proven that excess stress attacks the immune’s ability to ward off disease. The higher one’s stress levels, the more prone we are to getting sick. Now more than ever before as we face so many challenges as a result of the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic we need to find ways and means to chill out and relax. Do online classes to relax or take a long walk to reduce anxiety levels. Lowering your stress levels will boost your immune system 

• Ditch the sweet stuff – consuming too much sugar reduces the body’s ability to fight infection and lowers the immune system. Cutting back on the bad things such as sugary drinks, chocolates and other sweet things can assist your immunity and give your body a chance to fight illnesses 

• Probiotics are good for you – taking probiotics will assist in the fight against infection. People who take probiotics regularly can fight off infections by as much as 40% and are less likely to succumb to flu and colds and other illnesses 

• Up your exercise regime – move more and reap the full rewards of a healthy body, mind and soul. Being active and taking part in regular exercise will go a long way in boosting your immunity. Exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes three to four times a week will make a huge difference in your overall health 

• Get more zzz’s – getting enough sleep will increase your mood and improve your immune system. Furthermore, more sleep will improve your concentration and energy levels 

• Stop smoking or at least cut back substantially – the lockdown ban on cigarettes has provided us with sufficient knowledge to understand the negative effects of smoking. Secondary smoking can irritate the passageways and increase your vulnerability to cigarette smoke. Smoking has a huge, negative impact on other health issues including diabetes, heart attack, stroke and cancers 

• Use supplements to increase your immunity – allicin which is found in garlic assists in fighting viruses. Take more zinc as soon as you suspect you are getting a cold which will also reduce the duration of the cold. Take a garlic supplement and zinc supplements to increase your immunity and a daily multi-vitamin for improved health 

It is imperative to ensure your work and home environment is kept clean and adheres to the stringent health rules and regulations put into place by government as lockdown eases off. A spotless, disinfected environment is important, but going the extra mile to ensure our bodies are kept healthy will stave off nasty viruses and germs as we ease out of lockdown and move into winter.