Tips for When You’re Too Darn Busy to Get Sick
Here, the immunity-boosting tips you need to stop from getting sick this cold and flu season.
Drink plenty of water
“Drink at least one full glass of water (two is better) as soon as you wake up,” encourages Edison de Mello MD, PhD. “This helps your body get rid of metabolic waste and will reset your system.” And be sure to sip enough throughout the day- at least 64 ounces-to flush out toxins and help your mind and body better deal with the stress. Here’s why you need to drink water when you’re stressed.
Protein-pack your breakfast
“Research shows diets too low in protein can minimize the function of your immune system,” notes Dr. de Mello. Protein and carbohydrates give your body the fuel it needs to get you through the day (this includes normal daily functions, including warding off sickness). Short on inspiration? Try one of these protein-packed breakfasts.
Take your vitamins
Stock up on immune-supportive supplements, vitamin D, and probiotics. “Research shows that the herbal combination in immune support and vitamin D together with a strong and colony-rich probiotic, can significantly increase your immune response to disease, decreasing excess inflammation and thereby shortening the duration of illness,” explains Dr. de Mello. Feel a cold coming on? “Load up on vitamin C and echinacea, which may help lessen the severity and shorten duration of the illness,” says Vish Banthia, MD, board certified physician and CEO of ZendyHealth. Too late and already caught a cold? Read up on the 11 things you can do to make a cold less miserable.
Take care of your gut
Get your daily dose of fermented veggies, kefir, and probiotic-rich foods. “By maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora, you will be able to fight infections more efficiently. Remember that over 75 percent of your immune system’s vital processes occur in your gut. So make it strong,” urges Dr. de Mello. Here are the top 13 probiotic foods.
Be mindful
“If you’re feeling under the weather, take a step back. Don’t push yourself further than your body allows you,” says Dr. de Mello. A step beyond that, be consciousness of how you feel mentally and emotionally. Are you putting undue stress on yourself? Try these five-second strategies for shutting down stress ASAP.
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Source: rd.com