If you’re looking for ways to give your immune system a helping hand this cold and flu season, forget about pills and supplements. Natural is the way to go. If you want to learn some simple ways to boost your immunity this winter, read on!
1. HOT TUBS AND YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Your hot tub isn’t a miracle cure against colds and viruses, but science has shown that it’s an effective way to boost your immune system.
Spending 20-30 minutes in the heated water of your spa speeds blood flow throughout the body while also increasing white blood cell production. That means your bloodstream carries more of these germ-fighting cells throughout the body to help you fight off infection and disease.
The heated water also helps flush impurities from your system. As your body warms, blood and lymph fluid circulate more quickly causing you to sweat out toxins that are then washed away by the water of your spa.
2. INCORPORATING SUPER FOODS INTO YOUR DIET
While eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is important, there are 15 specific foods that should be consumed regularly to fortify your immune system.
Vitamin C is one of the best vitamins for battling the common cold. Rather than taking a supplement, incorporating red bell peppers and citrus fruits such as clementines, oranges or grapefruit into your diet can do wonders.
Broccoli and spinach are two more foods that you should try to eat often. Rich in vitamins C, A and E as well as antioxidants, beta carotene and fiber, making them part of your diet is a smart choice.
Rounding out the list of the top 15 immune-boosting foods are garlic, ginger, yogurt, almonds, sunflower seeds, turmeric, green tea, papaya, kiwi, poultry and shellfish.
Incorporating these foods into your diet will not only boost your immunity, but also improve your overall health.
3. GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP
Getting a solid seven to eight hours of sleep each night not only gives your body the energy it needs to function well, but also to fight off germs.
If you don’t get enough sleep, your body will make fewer cytokines, a protein that fights against infection and inflammation. These proteins are only produced and released during sleep, so do your immune system a favor and make sure you’re getting enough rest.
4. AVOIDING BAD HABITS
It should come as no surprise that smoking and drinking alcohol in excess can take a toll on your immune system.
The thousands of chemicals in cigarette smoke can interfere with the immune system. In fact, smoking increases the risk for several immune and autoimmune disorders and can interfere with the effectiveness of certain treatments.
Alcohol also makes it more difficult for your immune system to defend the body against germs. It can kill healthy gut bacteria and weaken your organs, lowering the body’s ability to fight infection.
How Will You Naturally Boost Your Immune System?
If you’re ready to experience all of the healing benefits a spa can offer, get in touch with us at Tubs of Fun. As a provider of the best hot tubs for sale in North Dakota, our focus is always on providing quality products to our customers. Drop-in at our showroom to see the best hot tubs in Fargo or to speak with one of our experts. They can help you choose the right outdoor hot tub for your home.
