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Today’s lifestyles can be stressful and generally involve poor dietary habits, hectic schedules, and anxiety, with little or no time to exercise. All of these factors combined can lay the foundation for stress, tension, fatigue, frustration, and anxiety that can wear on the immune system. Many of these factors also increase during the winter season for various reasons.
Seasonal shots may deter the onset or length of some ailments. Over the counter medications may additionally ease symptoms. However, neither of these measures actually supports or strengthens the immune system–which when working in an ideal state, can easily ward off problems long before you experience a stuffy nose or cough.
Reducing stress, getting enough sleep, eating right and getting proper exercise are not always possible. Why not give your overworked immune system a boost by taking preventative measures in addition to including natural dietary supplements that can help build and keep your immune system in optimal condition?
For most of us, the occasional cold seems normal. Personal philosophies vary from letting it run its course to running out to the local pharmacy and taking various OTCs to alleviate symptoms. What many do not realize, is that a cold doesn’t have to last for seven to ten days. And we don’t have to suffer through a half-dozen or more colds in a year either! There are some very simple measures anyone can take to boost immunity and reduce the onset or length of a cold. Here are just a few practices than can put you on offense instead of defense the next time symptoms begin:
) Slow down and rest. Even something as simple as a little runny nose can be a sign your body is struggling. Take it to heart, increase fluids and do your best to get an extra hour or so of sleep for several days. Cancel appointments or obligations that can wait until you feel better.
2) Avoid food and drink that can weaken immunity. Excess sugar, refined starches, caffeine, and alcohol can put a strain our body’s ability to filter toxins. If a virus or bacteria attempt to take over, there is little “fighting” ability left to defend and eliminate the culprits.
3) Take a walk. This is especially helpful in the cool morning or evening time. The combination of increased blood flow and oxygen can refresh your senses and help with the detoxification process.
4) Increase the intake of water and hot fluids. Pure water provides support to organs and assists in flushing out toxins. Hot fluids, such as herbal teas can break up mucus, soothe the throat and stomach lining, and penetrate into the lungs. Teas that include eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, and marshmallow root are especially helpful in supporting immune-system defenses and warding off the “bugs” that form more common symptoms.
5) Add one or several immune supporting supplements. Most of us are aware of the role of antioxidants in fighting free radicals that can contribute to colds or other illnesses. The more common ones include Vitamin-C, Zinc, and Omega-3s. Vitamin-D, trace minerals, and electrolytes are also known to be helpful. Most of us know we need these vitamins and nutrients for everyday health and wellness. Adding an extra dose when symptoms surface will provide the support our bodies need when illness arises.
Though the jury is still out regarding how ultimately effective these strategies may be to deterring or shortening the length of a cold, nobody can argue the benefits of practicing these offensive strategies whether we feel sick or not. Just like you wouldn’t go out in the rain without proper clothing or coverage–you shouldn’t try to battle a cold without the proper tools in place to bolster immunity and help you feel better faster.
