It is that time of the year again – in the far north of the country, snow lies in drifts by the roadside and covers mountain peaks. Further south, we have switched to our winter wardrobes and pulled out our heaters and thickest blankets. Winter might mean hot chocolate and fragrant woolens to many, but it has downsides, especially this time of the year. It is, after all, the season for catching a cold or getting the flu.
As winter knocks at your door, you must have started dusting the blankets and laying them out in the sun. Currently, North Indian cities are shrouded in deadly smog where the air quality has dropped to hazardous levels. With the chilly winds and the perpetually grey skies, you can only wait and see what winters will bring.
The weather can also impact your immune system and adversely affect your immune response. While the human immune system is designed to fight these conditions and act as a natural armor to shield us from bacteria, fungi, and other toxins, this winter calls for an extra boost. So, don’t feel dejected. We have you covered with these five simple and handy tips to make this harsh season a little easier for you.
Here are some simple tips you can follow daily to give your immunity a leg up:
1. Stay Active
The complex process by which food and drinks are converted into energy is called metabolism. Our body’s activity and digestion are essential in determining our metabolic rate. But as the temperature drops, we tend to become more lethargic – the chilly weather outside also deters activity as thick layers of blankets and sweaters cover us.
Our digestive process is disrupted as we limit our physical activity, which slows down our metabolism. This gives rise to fatigue as our body fails to generate enough energy to keep us active, but it can be reversed by staying active.
And staying active doesn’t take much – 15 minutes of cardio, a quick yoga session, or even just a brisk walk in the park of your colony can be enough to kickstart your metabolism. If outdoor exercise is not viable because of pollution, you can choose any innovative fitness products from a broad range of online choices. A tummy twister or a portable pedal exercise machine is perfect for whole-body exercise at home.
2. Add Greens and Oranges to your diet
The onset of the winter season marks the beginning of influenza-like diseases. With the sudden change in the temperature, people across age groups develop cold, cough, and flu-like symptoms. It is, therefore, necessary for us to give healthy food to our bodies to build up our immunity against these.
Veggies like spinach, radish leaves, and mustard greens are called superfoods because they are high in iron, calcium, and beta-carotene and contain essential vitamins. Another superfood you certainly should consider adding to your diet is sweet potato. They are inexpensive and full of essential nutrients that have lasting health benefits.
Green vegetables like spinach, kale, and kitchen staples such as turmeric, garlic, and ghee have anti-inflammatory properties and are a winter must-have. Fruits rich in Vitamin C like orange, lime, papaya, and so on are also good for your respiratory system. Eat them fresh, slice them up, or drink them as juices but do not forget to stock up on these fruits to fortify your body’s response.
3. Steam Therapy for Clogged Pores and Congestion
This time of year is when those suffering from recurring respiratory illnesses face a double whammy. The rising rate of pollution and the flu season makes it critical for them to take care of their respiratory wellness. Steam therapy is one of the simplest and most effective ways of getting some relief from blocked noses and congestion.
It also gives us momentary relief from other upper respiratory infections. Consequently, the sweat it creates flushes out toxins from our bodies. Another advantage of steam therapy is that it opens up our clogged pores and makes it easy to remove all the dirt accumulated on them. It stimulates blood flow across our face and enhances our skin’s overall health. Inhaling steam a few times a week can help us improve our respiratory health and skin.
4. Take care of your Mental Health
Poor mental health can impact our immune system negatively. Seasonal depression is common during winter. Grey skies with occasional sun sightings can make most people gloomy. Thus, we must prioritize our mental well-being and make it a part of our overall well-being.
To do so, it is imperative that we diligently follow Tips 1 and 2. The key to physical and mental wellness is regular exercise and nutritious meals. Vitamin D is one of the essential vitamins, and it facilitates proper brain development and functioning. And so, don’t forget to soak in the winter sun.
Taking care of mental well-being also involves reaching out for support. Isolation and loneliness can contribute to lower immunity. It is, therefore, essential to surround yourself with friends and family.
5. A time for All-round Wellness
There are three foolproof methods with the help of which one can slowly improve their immunity. First, drink a glass of lukewarm water first thing in the morning. This will wash out the toxins from your body. Secondly, eat a balanced diet. Add protein, carbs, fat, fiber, and other nutrients to your diet. Thirdly, make sure that you get a good night’s sleep. Getting enough sleep is crucial, and our body needs 7-8 hours of sleep to function at its optimum level. A healthy lifestyle can take you a long way.
Wholesome wellness also involves staying away from toxins, alcohol, and drugs. Toxins, such as cleaning products, can harm our bodies and our immunity. Instead, replace these with green and organic products. Alcohol also suppresses the immune system. So, it should be replaced with fresh fruit or juices. Following a healthy diet could be the best thing you do for yourself.
Adding supplements to your diet is essential as it can promote all-around wellness. The immune system can always benefit from a boost from multivitamins. Increased zinc intake can aid in the defense against respiratory viruses, and more vitamin C, D, and B12 intake may be helpful if you’re feeling under the weather.
To Sum It Up:
Our immune system is this fantastic weapon that helps us fight harmful infections and toxins daily. It combats every foreign invader and creates an immune response to protect it from causing any disturbance in our body. As strong as this weapon is, we still need to help with its maintenance and improve its efficiency.
We owe it to our body to safeguard it from all the harshness and affliction this winter. If you have followed these tips yet are worried about your immunity, talk to our experts immediately! With our user-friendly interface, doctors come home to you! With DocVita, you can consult with the top specialists from the comfort of your private space. Here is a chance to change your life for the better and opt for premium care. Do not miss out on it!