5 Ways To Avoid Getting Sick

With all sorts of new diseases and viruses out, it’s only natural that we all start freaking out! We’ve all been Googling our symptoms, becoming big germaphobes and more importantly – finding ways to give our immune systems a boost!

Here are a couple of ways to avoid getting the cold and flu during this crazy time!

Wash your hands!

WOW! We can’t stress this enough. The simplest, yet most important rule. Keeping your hands clean at all times. Washing your hands frequently will help protect you from stray germs, especially after you touch communal areas. If you don’t have access to hot water and soap, try hand sanitizer. Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth without first washing your hands! It’s worth also disinfecting your office desk, your car’s steering wheel and even your bedside table.

Vitamins

A favourite of ours! Having your daily intake of vitamins is a fast hack to avoid illness. Vitamin C and Zinc have proven to effectively fight back the common cold and boost your immune system. Vitamin C reduces oxidation in the body and prevents disease. Vitamin C capsules are a great supplement to ensure you have your daily intake.

Vitamin E, D and Zinc are other powerful sources of strengthening your immune system against infections!

Water

I hope you’re thirsty! Because you are about to load up on your liquids! Drinking plenty of water to flush out the toxins in your body is another great way to avoid catching any sicknesses. Aim for 6-8 glasses a day or 2 litres. Water helps carry oxygen throughout the body to all organs, tissues and blood cells – helping you feel better physically.

Studies have proven that staying very hydrated works in your favour to boost your immune system to better fight viruses as it promotes adaptive immune response. It prevents build-ups as it flushes out toxins and free radicals (the bad guys, an uncharged molecule that may damage the cells in the body).

Fruit and Veg

A healthy diet full of nutritious foods will allow your immune system to stay clear of the cold and flu season. Fruit and vegetable consumption can boost your levels of sickness fighting nutrients like Vitamin C, zinc and selenium.

Let’s talk about the types of fruits you should be looking for. Due to their high vitamin C content, citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and grapefruit are all high sources of vitamin C that increase the production of white blood cells. The body doesn’t produce or store vitamin C, so you definitely need your daily Vitamin C intake. Our Healthy Being website has plenty of Vitamin C alternatives.

And lastly, don’t forget your greens! Green vegetables such as bok choy and broccoli are a vital source of a chemical signal that creates a fully functioning immune system. They directly work with immune cells in your gut and your skin to work properly! A great addition to your diet to positively impact your health!

Sleep

Think of it as sleep being body in repair mode! Having a good night's sleep can actually assist your immune system to stay in tip top shape. An average of 7-9 hours of sleep is crucial to avoid respiratory viruses like the flu. Sleep deprivation has an adverse effect on your immune system, and actually can increase vulnerability to infections!

Not only does good sleep help with not getting sick, but it also protects you from other health issues including health disease, diabetes, and obesity.

There you have it, how handy tips to keep you healthy and safe throughout the flu, cold and virus season! Head over to our website for more ways to boost your immune system.