We often hear the term “Flu Season”. This makes it sound like when we hit November 1st, these magical super flu bugs wake up and start wreaking havoc on our lives. In reality, these germs are around us all year long. What happens is that our ability to fight them off is decreased. Starting on October 31st, when candy is everywhere, we head into the holiday season. With this, we have increased stress over finances and family and we are apt to skimp on our sleep while trying to fit in all of the holiday parties. We may decrease our workouts in order to see all of our friends and we are suddenly eating far more luxurious food than we eat the rest of the year. All of these factors combined decreases our ability to fight off the germs that make us sick. Being cognizant of these factors and making small changes to increase the immune system can help you get through the winter flu free!
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Frequently washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent coming down with the flu. That’s because viruses can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. That means if you touch an infected surface, then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you could become sick.
Wash your hands, and your child’s hands, as frequently as possible during the winter months. It’s especially important to do so before eating, after using the restroom or when handling contact lenses, since they come in direct contact with your eyes.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Eating right is one the best ways to keep your body healthy. Give your immune system an added boost by eating more servings of food rich in Vitamin C, such as oranges, grapefruit, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Other immune-boosting foods you can incorporate into your diet include:
- Sweet potatoes.
- Wild salmon.
- Chicken soup.
- Greek Yogurt.
- Green tea.
Fuel your body with these healthy foods and not only could you help prevent the flu, you might also shed a few pounds while you’re at it.
Exercise
Keeping active can help you overall health, which helps your body more effectively fight off any germs. Aim to get at least 30 minutes a day, three to four times a week. If you can’t get outside to work out because of the weather, consider joining a gym or taking a fitness class through your local adult education program.
You can even sign up for online exercise programs and perform workouts in your home. YouTube also has lots of great videos you can watch for free if you don’t want to pay for a program. Whatever you choose, just make sure you stick with it.
Boost Your Immune System with Chiropractic Treatments & Massages
One of the most important parts of your body is the lymphatic system. It’s a network of organs that includes the lymph nodes and is a major component of the immune system, since lymph nodes create your body’s immune cells that help fight infection. According to a recent study, the central nervous system, which is located in the spine, is connected to the lymphatic system.
That means if your spine isn’t functioning properly, it could compromise your immune system’s ability to fight off infections and leave you more vulnerable to the flu and other illnesses. Chiropractic adjustments and treatments can be an immune system booster, since they can help your spine function optimally.
Massage treatments can also help your circulation and lymph systems, as well as better regulate blood pressure, and increase blood circulation and the flow of oxygen. The result – a healthier immune system.
Absolute Health Chiropractic and Massage specializes in massage and chiropractic care to improve your spine and immune system health. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.
