Nine Ways to Boost Immunity

by Geeta Bagga

Category: Articles, Information & Tips, Things everyone should know…

Well it sure didn't take any time for me to catch a cold this season. Here we are, not even through the month of November, and already I've been attacked. As I brace myself and my children against the flu and cold season that is upon us, I am happy to share with you an article that explains ways to help us stay a little more on top of the weather.

To begin, researchers at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine had discovered why we are more susceptible to flu virus over the frigid months. The microscopic organisms live longer in cold and dry conditions, giving them a better shot at being passed around in tiny drops of water in the air. And with more than 200 viruses causing the common cold, we're bound to catch a sniffle or two.

Below are a few prevention strategies that can go a long way to help us survive the season.

1. Think Positively - Happier people are less likely to develop colds when exposed to cold viruses. People with high positive emotion scores produce just enough cytokine (a protein) to help recruit other immune cells to fight off infections.

2. Exercise Regularly - Taking a pass on exercise may increase your risk of catching a cold. Exercising at least 45 minutes five times a week could increase the immune fighting cells with each episode of exercise.

3. Wash your Hands - I can't stress this enough. Hand washing is probably the most revolutionary public health measure for stopping the spread of disease. Wash hands for 20 seconds using soap and warm water. And avoid antibacterial soaps, hand washes and gels they make it easier for bacteria to build resistance.

4. Snack on Yogurt -“ It's too early to say for sure that they prevent colds and flu, but pro-biotics may promote a healthier immune system. To benefit, a person should consume between 1 and 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of active probiotics per day. My personal favorite is consuming Kefir with fresh berries.

5. Eat your Broccoli - Eating at least eight servings of brightly colored vegetables and fruits per day helps keep the immune system in top form, and prevents it from overreacting.

6. Give herbs and Algae a try  The herb ginseng has been proven to help prevent colds when taken as soon as symptoms develop. Spirulina, a blue green algae, is available in health food store, is also promising. Some variations containing zinc and powdered acerola have high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential.

7. Boost your Vitamin D People with low Vitamin D status were one and half times more likely to get a respiratory infection than those whose Vitamin D levels were higher. Health Canada recommends 200 IU daily for adults under age 50 and 400 IU for those over 50.

8. Get Vitamin B 12 from Foods - Most people who eat healthy are getting enough Vitamin B, which aids in boosting immunity.

9. Get Vaccinated - Though the annual flu shot is only about 80% effective, it's still one of the best defenses we've got. I'd like to hear from you. Are there any practices that keep you healthy during the cold/flu season?