How To Improve Immunity For Winter
As the temperature starts to drop, many of us begin wondering how to improve immunity for winter. After all, with an increased vulnerability to infection during this chilly time, it’s important to ensure our immune system is in tip-top shape.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can support your immune system this winter, whether it’s by exercising more, eating healthier, or picking up a probiotic.
So, are you keen to learn how to improve immunity for winter? You’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ve provided a few tips to keep you feeling your very best throughout winter. Take a look!
Why Is Immunity Important In Winter?
First, let’s cover the basics - why is our immunity so important in winter?
To be fair, our immunity is very important year-round! But the conditions that winter brings with it makes us more vulnerable to sickness - in more ways than one.
First off, viruses tend to live longer in colder temperatures and lower humidity - which can increase the risk of infection. On top of this, the colder conditions usually cause us to spend more time indoors where these viruses can spread much easier.
So, because viruses spread much easier in winter, it’s important to get your immune system ready in the lead-up to the season.
How To Improve Immunity For Winter
Now, let’s dive into the good stuff. Learn how to improve immunity for winter with these 6 simple tips below!
1. Exercise Daily
Exercising is one of the best and easiest ways you can support many systems of the body - including your immune system.
Regular exercise can help get rid of bacteria in the lungs to stop you from getting sick. Plus, it can also reduce inflammation, strengthen antibodies, and boost blood flow to make your immune system work more effectively.
Try going for a run or jumping rope - your immune system will thank you for it.
2. Get Enough Sleep
In case you needed a reason to get more sleep this winter, this is it! After all, you’d be surprised just how important quality slumber is for immunity.
When we don’t get enough sleep, our immune system suffers. Specifically, we’re unable to produce as many essential immune cells - overall making us more vulnerable to sickness.
As a rough guideline, aim for at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
3. Drink Plenty Of Water
Adequate water intake is crucial for many bodily systems - and our immunity is no exception.
Not only does water help to flush toxins from the body, it also plays an important role in immune function. Because of this, it’s crucial for preventing disease and keeping your immune system running properly.
So, how many glasses of water should you be drinking each day? Though the exact amount will vary from person to person, about 8 glasses should do the trick.
4. Grab A Probiotic
Picking up a probiotic is one of the best ways you can boost your immunity over winter.
Probiotics are typically used to promote gut health - especially since they’re known for rebalancing and restoring our gut bacteria. Though did you know they may also be effective in supporting our immune system? Ross Barnard’s in-depth analysis of probiotics Lactobacillus Casei and Bifidobacterium explores the scientific evidence here.
Probiotics may be able to help assist with immune function by encouraging the production of antibodies and supporting essential immune cells.
5. Reduce Stress
Did you know that another major cause of poor immunity is stress?
When we’re feeling worried, our body isn’t as effective at fighting off disease. On top of this, the hormones linked to stress can reduce immune function - making us much more vulnerable to sickness.
Whether it’s work-related or personal, try to limit your daily stress as much as possible. If you’re looking for ways to reduce stress, consider avoiding triggers (if possible), meditating, or exercising.
6. Eat Fruit & Vegetables
When it comes to boosting your immune system, you simply can’t underestimate the power of good, old fashioned fruit and vegetables.
Get rid of those fried foods or salty snacks and include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. They’re packed to the brim with essential vitamins and minerals that support immune function in many ways.
Citrus fruits, leafy greens, yoghurt, almonds, ginger, and green tea are all great foods for immunity.
PERKii Probiotics
If you’re looking for ways to support your immunity this winter, you can’t go wrong with PERKii Probiotics.
As we said before, probiotics have shown great potential as immune supporters! So, adding a probiotic into your daily routine can be a great way to support your immunity during the winter months.
Not to mention, they’re easy to enjoy on the go and are nice on the taste buds too. Head to the online store to browse the Perkii range.
*The information in this article should be considered as advice only. Before adopting any of this advice, speak with a healthcare professional.
