Eastside Medical Center Offers Five Easy Ways to Boost Your Immune System This Winter
February 01, 2012
Snellville, GA January 30, 2012 Winter is here and along with the cold temperatures and anticipation of “possible” snow days it also brings plenty of opportunities for viruses to spread. Tina Thompson, M.D., a family medicine physician, offers a few tips to help keep your immune system healthy during the winter months.
“Your immune system serves as your body’s natural defense system and consists of a network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to defend your body against invaders, such as viruses, bacteria and other sickness,” says Dr. Thompson. “The healthier your immune system is, the better it can fight off illness.”
Get plenty of sleep- Your body uses sleep as a way to heal itself. If you do not get an adequate amount of sleep at night, you are not giving your body enough time to rest and heal.
Lower your stress- Occasional stress is not a bad thing. But being under constant stress can cause a steady stream of stress hormones to weaken your immune system and make you more vulnerable to illness.
Take a daily multivitamin- Even a small deficiency in certain nutrients can cause your immune system to become impaired and not function properly. Dr. Thompson suggests taking a multivitamin that is specially formulated for your age and gender.
Eat a balanced diet- Good nutrition is vital to keeping your immune system healthy. While there is no specific “magic” food that can prevent you from contracting a cold or the flu, eating a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to boost your immune system.
Wash your hands- Practicing proper hand hygiene is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. You come in contact with many germs throughout each day and most accumulate on your hands. Make sure to keep your hands clean by frequently washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
