(Infographic) 10 Tips To Boost Your Immune System for the Flu Season

The immune system is most definitely one of the most vital and complex systems in the body. It works all day every day finding and eliminating viruses and bacteria to keep you healthy. Throughout the flu season it is important to strengthen your immune system and practice preventive care to stay healthy, however you might be thinking… how do I strengthen my immune system? Here are 10 tips to boost your immune system for the flu season.

1. Avoid Processed Foods

We are all aware that eating foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables will boost our overall health and protect us from viruses and infections all year round. Foods such as dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, berries and salmon all have anti-inflammatory properties and are nutrient dense; therefore they build up your immune system’s defences.

It is important to avoid gluten, sugar and processed foods, as these will decrease your immune systems functionality. It has also been suggested to commence your day with healthy fats; this could be accomplished by making a Smoothie with coconut milk, almond and/or nut butter. We hate to say it but it’s time to ditch the toast and reach for the blender. 

2. Get Your Water Bottle 

Drinking high levels of water assists in flushing out toxins and keeps the mucus in the respiratory tract thin. If you are suffering with the flu then your mucus will increase but by thinning it out you are making it easier to be expelled from your body. 

3. Regular Exercise 

Exercise is good for both your mental health and your immune system! By partaking in 30 minutes of exercise a day you are boosting blood flow, which circulated white blood cells around your body. These white blood cells are important, as they are the body’s first line of defence. They are sort of like security guards as they travel through your blood and tissues looking for invaders like parasites and/or viruses. Remember, it doesn’t have to be an exercise you hate doing! Dancing around your home whilst doing some cleaning definitely counts!

4. Open Those Windows

Did you know that indoor air could be up to five times as polluted as outdoor air? We didn’t either! Therefore it is important to air out your home and improve the circulation by opening some windows. Household plants such as spider plants and aloe vera also work as a filter so we suggest running down to Bunning’s when you get the chance! A cheeky sausage sizzle may be on the cards… 

5. Strengthen Your Gut Health 

A strong immune system actually relies on having a healthy, well functioning gut as roughly 70% of your immune system is actually within the gut. Some gut strengthening foods include fermented vegetables, kimchi, kombucha, miso, tempeh and sauerkraut. 

6. Throw Those Cigarettes In The Bin

Smoking depresses your immune system, as it is suppressing the antibodies created by your body to fight cold and flu viruses. Smoking in general isn’t good for your overall health and wellbeing but we understand it can be difficult to quit. We recommend talking with your healthcare professional about potential options best for you. 

7. Put The Wine Glass Down 

All right, before you start cyber yelling at me, here me out. Drinking alcohol does cause weight gain, which works against your immune system. Alcohol also dehydrates your body, which establishes an appealing environment for viruses. I’m not saying you can never drink again but stick to the guidelines set by the health professionals; it will boost your immunity, mental health and overall wellbeing. 

8. Chill Out 

A little stress never hurt anyone; in fact it can actually be a great motivator. However, high levels of stress put a significant strain on our body’s immune system and produced inflammatory chemicals that create further impairment. So put your feet up, join a yoga class, do some meditation or just have some designated me time each day. 

9. Use Multi-Vitamins

Sometimes we need a little bit of help when it comes to boosting our immune system and this can through the use of organic supplements. Our Turbo Multivitamin is an excellent option as it is a natural supplement to relieve stress and fatigue, relieve nervous tension, improve stamina, increase endurance, increase energy and vitality and in strengthening the immune system. 

This product has some amazing ingredients such as:

Rhodiola: assists and helps with stamina and endurance, energy and vitality, relieving fatigue and exhaustion, mood and well-being, mental and physical performance, relieves stress and nervous tension and supports immune function.

Korean Ginseng: enhances concentration and work efficiency, assists convalescence after illness and helps improve weakness, exhaustion, tiredness and loss of concentration.

Vitamins D3 & Zinc: maintenance & repair of muscle tissue. Zinc is also essential for energy production and for the detoxification of chemicals.

Magnesium & Potassium: energy production

B Group Vitamins (B3, B5, B6 & B12): nutritional support and conversion / metabolism of carbohydrates & fats to energy and the metabolism / conversion of food into energy

Folic Acid: production of healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia.

10. Get Some Rest

Inadequate levels of sleep can have a negative effect on your immune system. This is because Cytokines are proteins that are released during sleep and play an important role in your body’s ability to fight infections. Therefore less sleep equals less cytokines equals less defence for your immune system. Try limit screen time before going to bed, play some relaxing sleep music or have a nice cup of chamomile tea. 

So there you have it, 10 tips to boost your immune system for the flu system. On top of the above please remember to practice adequate hand hygiene and cover your mouth/nose when sneezing/coughing. Stay safe you beautiful people. 

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