Five Ways to Boost Your Immune System for Cold and Flu Season
Autumn is upon us, and for most people that means cooler temperatures and more time spent indoors. It also signals the beginning of cold and flu season.
After 2+ years of pandemic talk, it may seem oddly refreshing to talk about “ordinary” viruses like influenza and the common cold. But these ordinary viruses are anything but:
- The common cold costs the U.S. economy $25-40 billion per year, and it results in up to 120 million lost workdays.
- An average influenza year costs the U.S. economy $11.2 billion in direct and indirect costs, and it results in 111 million lost workdays.
Meanwhile, the total economic cost of COVID to the United States is currently estimated at somewhere between $10 and $22 trillion.
So…minimizing the impact of seasonal viruses is good for your quality of life…and it’s also good for the economy.
With that in mind, here are five steps you can take to keep your immune system working at its best during this virus season:
- Balanced Hormones
Keeping your hormones balanced can go a long way toward supporting a healthy immune system. Hormones like estrogen, thyroid, and melatonin are particularly important for immune system health.
- Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals that will help to strengthen your immune system include:
- Vitamin A
- B Vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Potassium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Selenium
Sleep is one of the best immune system boosters around. Adults should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Getting enough sleep gives your immune system time to build up its virus-fighting cytokines and antibodies.
- Exercise
While over-exercising can actually weaken your immune system, moderate exercise helps to boost your immune system by stimulating the production of immune system cells.
- Stress Management
Your body releases cortisol during times of stress. But when stress is chronic, excess cortisol and the inflammation it causes can weaken your immune system. Your immune system will benefit from whatever measures you can take to manage stress.
There Is No Silver Bullet
Unfortunately, you may do all of the above and still catch a cold, or the flu, or even COVID. The good news is that a stronger immune system will make you less likely to get seriously ill from these viruses.
To learn about more ways to boost your immune system, call Renew Youth at 800-859-7511 or use our contact form to set up your free 30-minute consultation.
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