With winter on the way, there’s no time quite like the present to think about how to give your immune system a bit of a boost to help stave off illnesses as the colder weather sets in.
The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to protect your health and make sure you make it through to spring in one piece, so here are just a couple of holistic suggestions to help you do just that. Which of these will you try first?
Try yoga
There are many reasons why people start doing yoga but one of the biggest benefits of the practice is the impact it can have on your mental, emotional and physical health. The meditative aspects of yoga can really help you deal with feelings of stress and anxiety, both of which can have an effect on your immune system and make you more prone to illness.
You can also help enhance your body’s immune system response through the stretches and movements that yoga requires, improving circulation throughout your body and stimulating the lymphatic system to help eliminate waste and toxins.
Furthermore, yoga can help you enjoy good quality sleep more regularly, which can do your immune system no end of good, ensuring that your body is able to rejuvenate and repair itself while you rest.
Eat well
Following a balanced diet is a great way to give your immune system the support it needs, helping it to fight infection and disease. Make sure that you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables each day, as well as getting enough protein with each meal.
Experts say that the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest you can follow, rich in fruit and veg, as well as fish, pulses, wholegrains and legumes, with limited amounts of dairy and red meat. A good rule of thumb is to make your plates as colourful as possible, if you’re looking for a health upgrade where your food is concerned.
Get connected
Interestingly, one of the best ways to protect your immune system is to make sure you maintain meaningful social connections with friends and family. Feeding your soul is just as important as feeding your body, so make sure that you spend as much quality time with your loved ones as you can over the next few months to help protect your emotional health.
Avoid alcohol
We’re heading into the festive season so no doubt there are many of you out there who know that your alcohol consumption is likely to increase the closer we get to Christmas and the new year.
Excessive drinking can have a big impact on your immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infection, thereby increasing the risk of disease. And don’t forget that alcohol is a depressant, so it can hugely affect your mental and emotional health as well.
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