During the winter months, cold and flu viruses are prevalent and it’s common for such illnesses to be picked up regularly. The best way to prevent these is to boost your immune system to that it can fight off disease and protect itself. Your diet and lifestyle plays a big part in achieving this, as the nutrients your body takes from a good diet are used to fend off illness. There are certain food and drink choices which are better than others at helping you create a stronger immune system, so try to include these in your diet where possible to have a cold-free winter this year.
Water is, first and foremost, the best defence against most illnesses, as it helps to keep your body hydrated and your organs working effectively. The cells in the immune system require moisture in order to work properly, so you should aim for six to eight glasses of water each day to ensure your body has enough. Garlic has anti-microbial properties so it’s a great addition to your diet if you’re trying to fight illnesses. The compound known as allicin is used by the body to fight infection, so try adding it to your meals where possible. Zinc is another compound which the body requires in order to fight infection, which can be found in foods such as fortified cereals, oysters and wheatgerm.
Getting plenty of exercise is advised in order to keep your body in peak condition – you’ll notice a big difference in your wellbeing through getting a balanced diet and enough exercise, which improves your body’s ability to fend off disease. In addition to this, cutting back on alcohol and fatty foods will also help with this. Alcohol suppresses the part of the immune system which fights germs. Lastly, reducing the levels of stress your endure will help to improve your wellbeing, so taking a few hours rest during the week to calm your mind and relax can do wonders for your ability to stay healthy.
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