How to Boost Your Immune System

How to Boost Your Immune System in Winter

During the colder months, colds and flu are more easily passed on, and the frosty weather can make us more prone to feeling unwell. However, there are several natural ways to boost your immune system and stay healthy this winter.

Boosting Your Immune System Naturally

1. Prioritise Sleep
   It’s crucial to get enough sleep so your body can rest and recharge. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. This simple change can make a big difference in how well you rest and how your body recovers, giving it a proper chance to reset and get you back to 100%. 
   
   
2. Maintain a Balanced Diet
   Eating a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, proteins and vitamins is well known for boosting your immune system. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, red and green peppers, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and broccoli are all packed with vitamins that help fight off infections and keep your body energised. Remember, the more colourful your plate, the better it is for supporting your immune health!
   
   
3. Manage Stress
   Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and flu. To help manage stress, you could try different techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, even just ensuring you take time to yourself and are able to relax can be a big help in ensuring you can assist in helping your immune system work at its best!
   
   
4. Stay Hydrated
   It’s very important to ensure you drink plenty of fluids, such as water or herbal teas or any other hydrating beverages. Water will help your immune system work the way it needs to help fight off germs and illnesses and staying hydrated is a great benefit to your health overall, letting your immune system focus on keeping you illness free!
   
   
5. Go for Walks or Exercise
   If you're feeling unwell with a cold or flu, getting some fresh air can help you feel better. Staying indoors where you've been breathing the same air (which may have been filled with germs) can make you feel worse. Step outside for some fresh air, and you'll breathe in cleaner air away from infected droplets, which can aid your recovery – ensuring rooms in your house get some fresh air for an hour or two during the day as well can be a big help to ensure you’re not breathing stale air and your body can work at its best.

By following these tips, you can naturally strengthen your immune system this winter. A healthy lifestyle is one of the most important ways to ensure your immune system functions at its best and you can feel your best self!

If you want more information on how things that can impact your immune health, the British Heart Foundation has some great support available from its experts on how your diet can affect your immune health - especially during Winter!