We all dread the sicknesses that surface when the winter season rolls around. Although our immune systems are meant to do a great job on their own of defending against viruses, sometimes they can fail, especially when germs are much more prominent. Drinking more water is a start, but it might not cut it for the number of viruses floating around during the winter season. So as the winter season approaches, people need to be smart and be better about caring for themselves. Boosting your immunity can help when fighting off germs and other bacteria. There are a multitude of ways to boost immunity, from improving your diet, to incorporating essential oils into your everyday routine. You’ll be sure to make your immune system strong enough to fight off those germs and stay healthy all-year-round, especially in the winter.
Eat a Healthy Balanced Diet
There are so many diets out there and it is hard to select one that is cost-effective, shows actual results, and is sustainable. A good rule of thumb is if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It is encouraged to add healthier food options to your winter meals such as vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruit. They are high in nutrients and more filling than a ‘quick fix diet’. Eating clean and introducing mighty superfoods will help supercharge your immunity. Even though it’s not a guarantee that you won’t get sick, it will play a huge role in preventing illness.
Foods that include vitamin C and zinc are proven to boost our immune systems. Many might not know, but eating foods high in beta-carotene acts as a provitamin and later converts into Vitamin A, which acts as a dominate antioxidant. Incorporate foods like grapefruit, carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and hemp seeds into your diet as they all have antiviral properties.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can add an extra layer of protection against seasonal colds. Eucalyptus is one of the best cold and flu remedies due to its antiviral and antimicrobial properties. In addition to eucalyptus, here are other essential oils that will boost immune systems:
- Clove: Clove essential oil is primarily known for aiding in digestion, while also having strong antimicrobial properties. Clove essential oil has also helped fight against oral diseases and soothe headaches.
- Cinnamon Bark Oil: Cinnamon leaf essential oil has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
- Lemon: This has a powerhouse of disease-fighting properties, while still offering a great deal of Vitamin C.
- Rosemary: Rosemary has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and can eliminate headaches.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is often used to cleanse and purify. Because it’s a germ-fighting powerhouse, it can be used to relieve headaches and chronic coughs.
Aside from all the health benefits that essential oils offer, they also have scents that can be calming and can boost the surrounding environment. A few drops of your chosen essential oil can easily be blended into a morning cup of tea or even mixed into a lotion that is being applied to your skin. Essential oils can help calm our minds, relieve our bodies from aches and pains, and instill us with energizing properties during the long winter months.
Dress Smart
When you were young and your mom always yelled at you to bring your jacket – she wasn’t kidding. People are frequently running late in the mornings, but drying your hair before going out in the cold is a must. There is no health benefit to commuting to work or school with wet hair in the cold. People should dress appropriately in cold weather and stay warm to avoid winter chills. Especially in windy areas, it is important to pay attention to how much exposure your skin has in the cold wind. People forget to acknowledge how much skin damage can occur from not blocking it from the wind with a simple scarf. If you’re planning to train in the colder months, it is smart to dress in layers and invest in a hat and gloves that work for your lifestyle.
Skincare Can be an Indicator of Your Immunity
Most of this article covered how we can aid our immune systems internally, however, people can’t neglect their skin during the winter. The winter conditions are harsh on our skin and people forget that our skin provides a physical barrier that fights against infections and other pathogens. People should acknowledge their external defense system and protect it to avoid being susceptible to unwanted illnesses. Our skin can be a huge indicator of how strong your immune system may be.
Our skin tends to dry out due to the cold, freezing weather. There are two types of moisturizers that our bodies need in order to combat this. One that prevents moisture loss and another that keeps your skin cells hydrated. Although many people may add moisturizers or incorporate new skincare products to cure acne or overly dry skin, these might actually be signs that you’re dehydrated or that you are eating foods that aren’t the best for your skin and its defense during the winter.
With temperatures dropping, it’s difficult not to cough, sneeze and sniffle. By caring for yourself and taking precautions, you’ll be doing your best to stay as sick-proof as possible. Taking the time to include superfoods that are high in Vitamin A, dressing appropriately for the weather, introducing essential oils, and caring for your skin can go a long way. Pay attention to external indicators such as dry skin and acne to determine how your immune system is doing. Before the winter season hits, be sure to be well versed and prepared with health and wellness supplies. However, if you do start to feel a cold coming on, see a doctor immediately to prevent the sickness from getting any worse.
