Tips for Boosting Your Immune System Before Flu Season Hits
You only get one body and, when you’re getting up there in years, you want to do all you can to keep it healthy. While some factors can negatively impact your immune system (like stress and sleep deprivation), you can also take steps to ensure it’s performing its best for you. By taking a few extra steps, you can help keep yourself as healthy as possible this flu season.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a healthy diet full of the right nutrients is one of the best things you can do to keep your immune system up to par. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially those high in vitamin C and beta carotene, can give your immune system the extra nutrients it needs to fight infection.
Try to eat plenty of lean protein as well, which can include both animal sources (chicken, beef, fish) and plant-based sources (legumes, soy, nuts, and seeds). Your body needs amino acids for its natural immune response, and proteins provide them.
Exercise
Exercising regularly is important for so many reasons, including helping keep your immune system strong. When you’re active, your body produces more white blood cells, which help your immune system detect and fight infections and diseases. Just make sure that you’re doing low to moderate-intensity exercises and not overdoing it with high-intensity workouts. You can get moving at the gym in your assisted living Lakewood community or take a leisurely walk around the neighborhood.
Get Adequate Rest
Getting enough sleep each night is essential for keeping your immune system strong. Sleep is when your body repairs itself, including by creating new immune cells. Try to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night for best results.
Reduce Stress
Stress can also take a toll on your immune system, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress in your life. One of the best ways to reduce stress is through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. These practices can help you relax and center yourself and are often available at senior apartments, Lakewood facilities as part of their wellness programs.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water helps to keep you hydrated, which is essential for overall health and well-being. When you’re dehydrated, it can lead to fatigue and dizziness and increase your risk of developing a cold or flu. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and up your water intake on days when you’re more active or if you live in a warmer climate.
Take Supplements
Another way to support your immune system is by taking supplements. Vitamins, minerals, and herbs can all help to improve immune function, but it’s essential to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements.
Some of the most popular supplements for boosting the immune system include vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, echinacea, and garlic. Remember to get your healthcare provider’s approval first, as people in memory care Lakewood may have complicated health profiles.
Stay Connected
It’s also essential to maintain social connections with others. Staying connected to friends and family can help reduce stress and improve your overall health, which in turn will strengthen your immune system.
Seek out opportunities to get out of your house and socialize, whether by participating in group activities or just spending time with family and friends. You can do this by going out for a meal, taking a walk, or watching a movie. So, give your immune system a boost before flu season and start implementing these tips today.
