Did you know that those who eat a diet that is too low in protein, very low in calories (Under 1,200 calories per day) and contain too many processed foods will be more likely to get sick? This is because their diet’s lack the nutrients needed to maintain a strong and healthy immune system. This is the last thing you want especially during cold and flu season.
Sleep deprivation, as well as stress, can also put you at risk for being more prone to catching a cold or flu.
Your diet is going to be your first line of defence against illness, and the better your diet, the stronger your immune system. Diets that are high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, high-quality protein, healthy fats, and superfoods are much less likely to get sick. A healthy diet can provide the body with the antioxidants it needs to fight off any germ that comes its way. Here’s one more reason to focus on clean foods.
With cold and flu season in full swing, it’s important to take control of your health, and prevent germs from getting the best of you! Common colds and the flu can easily be prevented naturally without the use of harmful medications.
Here are 3 tips on how to stay healthy this season:
Tip #1: Get Some Extra Z’s
Sleep is incredibly important and helps to ward off germs more than you may think. While you sleep, your body works hard to repair both cells and injury. Getting at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night allows your body to repair itself, and ward off germs.
Tip #2: Exercise
Exercise is important for your overall health and can help keep your immune system in tip-top shape ready to ward off any germs that come your way. Getting your blood pumping through exercise can help increase the activity of white blood cells to fight off infection.
Tip #3: Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water allows your body to flush out any unwanted toxins, and can even help clear infections. Without proper moisture and hydration, our immune systems cannot work at an optimal level so be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. You can even enjoy some herbal tea sweetened with raw honey to give your immune system an even bigger boost.
Ready to really give your immune system the boost it needs? Try this week’s challenge!
For this week’s challenge, focus on foods that are known to fight off infections while reducing the sugar from your diet. Germs feed on sugar, so you want to eliminate it as much as possible.
Foods to Enjoy:
- Garlic
- Coconut oil
- Lemon
- Fermented foods
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Raw honey
- Green tea
- Grapefruits
- Mushrooms
- Kale