As soon as the winter season started this year, flu, cold, cough, and sore throat have become very common. It feels like there is some virus in the air and all of us know at least one person who is under its influence. With the pandemic just getting under control, we must take care of ourselves on an individual basis to keep things under control. During winter, we all must take measures to boost our immunity system, which is the body’s natural way of fighting disease and other infections.
Mentioned below are some of the basic strategies which you can follow this season to boost your immune system.
Wash your hands:
Washing hands properly is as simple as it sounds and can protect you from a lot of diseases. Even though everyone washes their hands, not a lot of people do it carefully. To get rid of all the germs, the area between the fingers, the back of the hand, and around the nails must be scrubbed properly. As viruses and bacteria can survive on your hands, you can get sick by shaking the hand of a sick person or touching the same surfaces. Doctors recommend that you should take at least 20 seconds to wash your hands in order to get rid of all the germs.
Get flu vaccination:
Getting an annual flu shot is important to protect yourself from colds in winter. These vaccinations are useful in promoting herd immunity. This way, people who are vaccinated can avoid the spread of disease and can save immunocompromised people as well.
Healthy Diet:
Eating a balanced and healthy diet is important to maintain a good immune system. Organic food items like vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, eggs, etc are good for your body, especially in winter. Drink warm tea like ginger, and chamomile to soothe your throat. If you have any dietary allergies, you can talk to a pharmacist so that he/she can better guide you about your eating habits.
Drink enough water:
Drinking at least 8 glasses of water is recommended. Drinking enough water helps in flushing toxins out of your body. In case of cold and flu, drinking lots of water helps to eliminate mucus from the body. In case of loss of water from the body during conditions like diarrhea, excessive vomiting, etc, you can get an immunity boost infusion through IV therapy from Osteopathic Health Center Dubai.
Humidification:
Viruses can’t stay alive in the air if there is enough moisture. There are certain products available that can help you in keeping the air around your moist. You can keep a diffuser to increase the humidity percentage in your room. Saline irrigation solution can also be used to keep nasal passages hydrated to relieve congestion.
Get enough sleep:
Getting plenty of sleep is necessary to keep your immune system healthy. Getting poor quality or less sleep badly affects your immune system. Certain proteins called Cytokines are released from our body while sleeping, these proteins play a major role in fighting different infections in your body. Less or bad quality sleep affects the production of Cytokines hence compromising the immunity system.
Workout Regularly:
Doing exercise regularly not only increases your immune system but also improves mental health. A person who works out regularly has better blood flow which makes the white blood cells circulate better in the entire body. These white blood cells act as the first line of defense against viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Avoid Energy Drinks:
You can give a boost to your immunity system if you avoid any sort of stimulants like energy drinks, sodas, caffeine, etc. Regular smoking also badly affects your immune system as it suppresses the antibodies created by your body to fight viruses and bacteria. To keep your body in a good shape and maintain your immunity system, you should avoid any excess alcohol, caffeine drinks, and other stimulants.
Spend some time in the Open:
During winter, you must spend some time outdoors. Being in your warm home with circulated air can spread viruses in the surroundings. It is good that you go outside. Get some fresh air and sunlight to naturally boost your immunity.
Don’t Stress:
Did you know that stress can also compromise your immunity system? Psychologists who have worked in the field of psychoneuroimmunology say that the state of your mind can also affect your physical health. In case of long-term stress or depression, your body’s immune system gets affected. In this state, you become more prone to catching a cold and flu as your body’s fight response is compromised.
So if you have any sort of stress, you must try to deal with it instead of just ignoring it. At Osteopathic Health Center Dubai, we offer stress management classes. You can talk to our qualified therapists and share your issues. This way your mental state will become better in return improving your immunity as well.