Nowadays, it seems like the cold and flu season lasts all year around.
With the outbreak of the Swine Flu last year, it tends to make us more aware of our immune system and what we can do to strengthen it and keep it in top shape.
Unfortunately, we cannot live in a plastic bubble, so we cannot prevent germs from attacking us, so we depend on our immune system to protect us and to fight off sickness.
Here are some ways to hopefully help you improve your immune system and some other ideas to keep you and your family from getting sick.
A good diet is the first step in improving your immune system.
You need to develop good eating habits which include plenty of fresh ripe fruit and vegetables.
This will provide your immune system with vitamins and antioxidants which it needs to remain strong.
You need to include plenty of whole grains, beans, fish, poultry and low fat red meat along with the fruits and vegetables to give yourself a well balanced diet.
Make sure to eat the red meat in moderation.
Avoid foods that are high in fat as they suppress the immune system.
This does not mean that you can never have your favorite dessert that you are craving, but eat it in moderation.
Onion and garlic are believed to be anti-viral and yellow slices are believed to be anti-inflammatory.
Another important thing to do is to make sure that you get enough sleep.
Adults need to get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a day and teenagers should get 8 or 9 hours of sleep daily.
A person that is younger in age requires more sleep.
Lack of sleep has always been associated with a reduced immune system.
The fact is that your body needs sufficient time to recover from the days activities.
You should also take steps to reduce stress as it goes hand in hand with getting the proper amount of sleep.
We all have stress in our daily lives and there is no escape from it and we need to find ways to deal with it.
Make sure to make some time for yourself and shut out the rest of the world and relax.
Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids.
It is a rule of thumb that you should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
If you are participating in physical activities that are dehydrating your body more than normal, then you should increase your intake of fluids.
The most important step to improving your immune system is that of exercise.
Numerous studies have been conducted and have proven that by doing something as little as walking 4 or 5 times a week will effectively increase your immune system and help it fight off illness.
Weight training and cardio are also recommended for a well balanced exercise program.
This does not mean that everyone can do this, but any form of exercise that you choose will help to strengthen your system as long as you do it.
You do not have to jump right in to a full exercise regiment.
Start out in small steps like taking the steps instead of the elevator and parking a little further away in the parking lot or just take a small walk around your community.
Always make sure that you check with your doctor before you start any exercise program.
I hope that you found this information useful and if you would like more information on ways to live healthy, then please visit my eating healthy web site where you will find great information to help you live a long and healthy life.
With the outbreak of the Swine Flu last year, it tends to make us more aware of our immune system and what we can do to strengthen it and keep it in top shape.
Unfortunately, we cannot live in a plastic bubble, so we cannot prevent germs from attacking us, so we depend on our immune system to protect us and to fight off sickness.
Here are some ways to hopefully help you improve your immune system and some other ideas to keep you and your family from getting sick.
A good diet is the first step in improving your immune system.
You need to develop good eating habits which include plenty of fresh ripe fruit and vegetables.
This will provide your immune system with vitamins and antioxidants which it needs to remain strong.
You need to include plenty of whole grains, beans, fish, poultry and low fat red meat along with the fruits and vegetables to give yourself a well balanced diet.
Make sure to eat the red meat in moderation.
Avoid foods that are high in fat as they suppress the immune system.
This does not mean that you can never have your favorite dessert that you are craving, but eat it in moderation.
Onion and garlic are believed to be anti-viral and yellow slices are believed to be anti-inflammatory.
Another important thing to do is to make sure that you get enough sleep.
Adults need to get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a day and teenagers should get 8 or 9 hours of sleep daily.
A person that is younger in age requires more sleep.
Lack of sleep has always been associated with a reduced immune system.
The fact is that your body needs sufficient time to recover from the days activities.
You should also take steps to reduce stress as it goes hand in hand with getting the proper amount of sleep.
We all have stress in our daily lives and there is no escape from it and we need to find ways to deal with it.
Make sure to make some time for yourself and shut out the rest of the world and relax.
Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids.
It is a rule of thumb that you should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
If you are participating in physical activities that are dehydrating your body more than normal, then you should increase your intake of fluids.
The most important step to improving your immune system is that of exercise.
Numerous studies have been conducted and have proven that by doing something as little as walking 4 or 5 times a week will effectively increase your immune system and help it fight off illness.
Weight training and cardio are also recommended for a well balanced exercise program.
This does not mean that everyone can do this, but any form of exercise that you choose will help to strengthen your system as long as you do it.
You do not have to jump right in to a full exercise regiment.
Start out in small steps like taking the steps instead of the elevator and parking a little further away in the parking lot or just take a small walk around your community.
Always make sure that you check with your doctor before you start any exercise program.
I hope that you found this information useful and if you would like more information on ways to live healthy, then please visit my eating healthy web site where you will find great information to help you live a long and healthy life.
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