How to Boost Your Immune System Naturally This Fall
You can do many things to help your body stay strong and healthy. Learn how to boost your immune system naturally this fall!
Fall is here, and with it comes a new set of challenges. The weather is changing, the days are getting shorter and colder, and your immune system has to battle all this while also fighting off colds, the flu, and other illnesses.
But don’t worry! We’ve got your back with these easy tips for boosting your immune system naturally this season.
Keep reading to see our top tips.
How to Boost Your Immune System Naturally This Fall
As the cold and flu season approaches, it’s natural to start thinking about boosting your immune system to stay healthy. However, it’s important to be cautious about the products that claim to do so. Many of these products may not be safe or effective. For this reason, it’s best to talk to a pharmacist or healthcare professional to determine what options may be suitable for you. They can provide guidance on the safety and effectiveness of various supplements and help you make an informed decision.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of our pharmacist-approved tips below.
1. Eat a lot of vitamin C-rich foods
One of the best ways to boost your immune system naturally this fall is by eating a lot of vitamin C rich foods. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps fight off free radicals, which can damage cells and cause inflammation throughout the body. So eating lots of vitamin C rich foods will help keep your body healthy and strong while also helping to prevent illness.
The best sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, as well as kiwis, bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, leafy greens like spinach or kale… the list goes on!
2. Take probiotics every day
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help keep your digestive system balanced and improve your overall gut health. Probiotics are also known to strengthen your immune system, making it easier for you to fight off infections like colds and the flu.
Some people choose to buy probiotics over-the-counter at their local pharmacy or grocery store and take them as part of a daily supplement routine. You may also have heard about probiotic foods—like yogurt—that contain these healthy bacteria!
3. Get your daily dose of vitamin D
Vitamin D helps maintain healthy bones and teeth, but it also plays a key role in keeping your immune system strong. The best way to get vitamin D is through sunlight exposure—so go outside when you can!
But if you cannot spend much time outside because of the weather or other reasons, consider taking a supplement or eating foods rich in vitamin D.
4. Exercise regularly
Exercising regularly can help you stay healthy and keep your body strong all year long, but it’s especially important in the fall and winter months.
Here are some tips for exercising in cold weather:
- Wear layers instead of a single bulky coat or sweater if exercising outside.
- Consult a healthcare professional before beginning a new workout regimen if you have any existing health conditions.
- Drink lots of water before and after exercising to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration.
5. Get enough high-quality sleep
If you want to stay healthy this season, don’t underestimate the power of getting enough high-quality sleep.
It’s not just about getting a full night’s rest—it’s also about waking up refreshed. Your body needs at least eight hours of sleep per night to repair itself from the day before and prepare for another day.
Try going to bed earlier than normal to ensure that your body has all the time it needs to rest and recharge. Even if it means cutting out some other activity in your day (like watching TV), you’ll be surprised at how much better you feel!
6. Reduce your stress levels
Reducing your stress levels can make a big difference in how you feel.
Not sure how to go about managing your stress levels? We’ve got a few tips to help.
The first step is to identify what’s stressing you out. Maybe it’s work, or perhaps it’s family issues. Whatever the cause, once you identify what’s causing your anxiety and stress, work on solving that problem.
If it’s work-related, talk to a supervisor about ways to improve things; if it’s family-related, consider speaking with a counsellor or family therapist.
Once you’ve addressed the source of your stress, focus on ways to reduce it in your everyday life. For example, if you have trouble sleeping at night because of worries about work, try meditating before bedtime.
Or, if you find yourself stressed over little things throughout the day (like traffic), try taking a few deep breaths. You can also help reduce stress by exercising regularly and eating healthy foods.
Final Thoughts
While the fall season can be tough on your immune system, there are ways to boost it naturally. We’ve outlined some of the best ways to stay healthy and strong this fall. If you’re feeling run down or like you’re getting sick, try one or more of these tips and see if they help you feel better.