BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNITY

Cold and Flu season is here. 

And it sucks. 

No one likes getting sick. No one wants to take off work to deal with the fever, stuffiness, coughing, aches, and overall feeling like crap. Or, as busy moms, when our babies get sick and we’re trying to take care of them and ourselves too, especially if everyone is sick at the same time – been there, done that, NO THANK YOU!

Kids are going to go to school or daycare. They are going to come in contact with other kids who are sick. They are going to bring it home and spread those germs around because that’s what kids do.

You are going to have to go to work. Or to the store. Or to run various errands. You are going to come into contact with other people. You are going to touch surfaces that have not been completely sanitized.

So, what can you do?

Not surprisingly, it’s the little things that matter when it comes to fighting off colds and the flu. 

The most basic of basics.

NUMBER ONE – Wash Your Hands. 

Just starting there is going to be your absolute best defense. Wash your hands. Or do your best to use hand sanitizer every time you go somewhere. I understand it’s not possible ALL THE TIME. I get it. We travel for my daughter’s sports a lot. We used to do it when my sons played as well. It is not always possible to wash your hands after you touch door handles or arm rests or bleachers or any of the dozens of surfaces at events. But if you CAN wash your hands or use hand sanitizer as often as possible, you’re going to be WAY ahead of the game.

Eat a Well-Balanced Diet. 

This seems pretty anti-climactic, and I know I was a little disappointed myself when I was looking into this topic a few years ago. Because, truthfully, we want there to be something out there that’s going to give us that little extra boost or that edge to up our immunity by just “that much” and maybe keep us from getting sick this go-around. But the truth is, if you’re eating an overall healthy and balanced diet – fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats – you’re going to be pretty well covered in the nutrient department and THAT is what helps your body fight viruses more than anything else. If you are deficient, your body is going to have a much tougher time fighting the infection because it doesn’t have all the weapons it needs to fight.

Get Sleep. 

Again, a bit of a letdown in the excitement department. Yeah, you need sleep. Honestly, if you’re a busy mom, you probably know better than ANYONE just how badly you need a GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP! But when it comes to boosting your immunity or helping your body fight off a virus, solid sleep goes a VERY long way. Do whatever you can or recruit some help if possible to get some extra zzzz’s, especially if you feel something virus-ish coming on.

Stay Hydrated. 

Yawn. But yeah… 

Water is necessary for your body to carry out the functions necessary to keep you from getting sick, like carrying the important nutrients back and forth through the blood stream and between the cells to properly fight an infection. Plus, drinks like green tea, juice, or even broth has important nutrients and antioxidants that battle viruses. So, while it may seem boring to tell you to drink more water or tea, and less sugary drinks, if you want to avoid getting sick, it is also very necessary.

Getting extra Vitamins, Minerals, and Antioxidants. 

This one is kinda tricky. It does not necessarily mean taking extra vitamins or supplements. But perhaps taking an overall multi-vitamin in case you are deficient, as well as adding a few healthy foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet can help boost your immune function by getting the nutrients you actually need. That’s why it’s tricky. Unless you go to the doctor and have your blood drawn and tested, it’s hard to know what you MIGHT be deficient in. But as long as you have all the vitamins and minerals your body needs – ESPECIALLY from whole food sources – your body is going to do a much better job at fighting off a cold or flu.

And that’s the main list of the best ways to boost your immune system. Doing healthy things like washing your hands frequently, eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep.

If nothing else, you can reframe your thinking so that eating an apple instead of a brownie during the holidays/cold & flu season is your way of boosting your immune system rather than taking supplements that may or may not be effective.

This is the last thing I would like to reiterate – you may start taking supplements; you might start drinking immune boosting powders mixed in your water bottle; and any symptoms you might have been experiencing start to fade. And you think, “Wow! This stuff really works! It really DOES fight off colds and the flu.” 

Well, probably not really. 

It’s got certain vitamins and minerals in it – like a multi-vitamin does – and you are FINALLY getting what your body NEEDS!

If you are already eating foods with a ton of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you probably would be fighting off the infection even faster and more efficiently.

I also included at link to a Harvard Health article that you might want to check out for more information about your immune system and boosting your immunity.

Immune boosts or busts? From IV drips and detoxes to superfoods - Harvard Health

If you would like to know more about how to improve your health and wellness, Book a FREE Consultation with me to talk about health, nutrition, wellness, and what you need to get started, or continue, on your wellness journey.