The flu season is near its peak – and, if you haven’t already, your best protection is to get a flu shot. Being on the road to recovery is also a crucial step; addiction can do a number on your immune system.
In addition, there are several simple (and needle-free) ways to boost your immunity and decrease your risk of getting sick this season. Start with these strategies.
- Skip processed foods. Junk food high in polyunsaturated fats tend to suppress the immune system and sugar inhibits phagocytosis, the process by which viruses and bacteria are engulfed and then literally chewed up by white blood cells, according to Prevention.com. Your best bet is to load up on nutrient dense foods full of antioxidants. Some options: dark, leafy greens, berries, salmon, and sweet potatoes.
- Crack the windows. Letting the air in will help chase the germs out. This is especially important, since indoor air can be up to five times as polluted as outdoor air.
- Make sleep a priority. Sleep deprivation has been associated with poor immune function and reduced numbers of killer cells that fight germs. Aim for at least seven hours a night.
- Get moving. And yet another benefit of exercise: People who exercise in moderation report fewer colds, according to experts at American Council on Exercise. So what’s moderate? One study showed that people who take a moderate-intensity walk for 40 minutes per day had half as many sick days due to colds or sore throats as those who don’t exercise.
- Don’t let laundry pile up. This isn’t the time to get lazy on your laundry. Aim to wash hand towels in hot water every three or four days during cold and flu season.
Stay Well at The Haven
Addiction leads to poor habits and the general neglect of self-care. The Haven at Pismo offers fitness amenities, stress management therapies and nutritional counseling to help clients feel their best and stay healthy during rehab and beyond. To learn more, call: 805-202-3440.
1-805-202-3440
