Three Tricks to Stay Healthy This Cold and Flu Season
By Randi Morse
Cold and flu season is a time to fear for a number of reasons. Firstly, no one likes to get sick. Secondly, no one has time to get sick. It can almost seem impossible to avoid catching a virus during the winter months, but there are a few things you can do to lessen the possibility of getting sick this winter.
Green Vegetables
We've always been told to eat our leafy green vegetables, but it turns out that eating your green vegetables not only helps you be big and strong like Popeye, it can also help support a healthy immune system. There was a study done that discovered that mice who ate cruciferous vegetables were less likely to get sick. It is believed that this is because green vegetables help boost cell surface proteins which make your immune system function more efficiently. So, if you are looking to stay healthy during cold and flu season, make sure you eat plenty of green vegetables.
Staying Active
I often feel like the winter months are designed for people who like to stay inside and binge watch TV. According to a study, however, getting regular exercise can help accelerate circulation of white blood cells. These blood cells are what helps our body fight off a common cold. So make sure you get exercise and stay active during the winter months.
No Alcohol
Another thing that winter months seem to be made for is drinking alcohol. When your body is colder than normal, it can be nice to warm it up from the inside with an alcoholic beverage. However, a study that was published in Clinical and Vaccine Immunology Journal showed that mice that had been fed alcohol had suppressed immunity responses. This means that the alcohol made their immune system work less efficiently.
Get Social
A common reaction when the cold and flu season is in full swing is to want to avoid any sort of social situation. If you're not around other people, you can't get sick, right? Actually, a study published by the American Psychological Association has made the suggestion that by being socially isolated you might be increasing your stress level. An increased stress level actually slows the body's immune system down. This means that you may be more likely to get sick by avoiding people than you would be by being socially active.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bothell, Wash.