Prepare Your Body for Cold and Flu Season
By Sara Butler
Most people don't dread winter for the bitter temperatures but because it's the season that brings illness along with it. After last year, the flu is probably on the minds of many people. It can make you very ill, keep you home from work, and cause you to miss the fun of the holiday season. It's not too late to take steps to prep your body for the oncoming season. Here are some tips to help keep you and the immune system in tip-top shape this winter.
Drink More
If you can increase the number of fluids your drink during the day, then you're one step closer to better health. That's because your skin and your mucous membranes are your body's first defense against invaders that want to make you sick; keeping them hydrated is important if you want to keep germs from getting in. Have a nice cup of herbal or green tea if you're not down with just water.
Watch Your Sugar Intake
You should avoid sugary drinks and sugary foods in the winter in all forms. That includes simple carbohydrates such as white flour and highly processed foods. It's easy to fall into the pattern of eating comfort foods in the winter, so be mindful of what you're eating and make sure you say no to added sugars and replace them with whole grains to keep you healthy.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to keep your body strong any time of the year, but it's really important in the winter for a healthy immune system. Physical activity increases your circulation and delivers oxygen to every cell in your body as it helps to rid your body of waste. Take 30 minutes a day to go on a walk, ride your bike, or go to the gym to help your body stay strong and healthy this winter.
Prepare Your Home
The last way you can fight off the flu is at home. Wash your hands often with warm water and soap, try saline spray for your nose to keep your mucous membranes supple and watch how high you turn up the heat since it can dry you out. Make sure to keep your refrigerator full of fruits and vegetables to deliver all the nutrients needed to keep your body healthy and your immune system functioning well.
You don't have to get stuck inside with the cold or flu this year. Following these tips will give you a fighting chance to avoid it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Arvada, Colo.