Regardless of the time of year, the common cold, flu, and other illnesses wreak havoc on the body, so whether it’s back-to-school time or peak flu season, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family. Here are the top 5 ways to boost the immune system:
1. Practice good hygiene.
Simple habits such as hand washing and sanitizing heavy traffic areas go a long way in boosting the immune system. The kitchen is definitely a hotspot for germs. Take special care to wash produce before cooking, wipe down countertops, and clean utensils and glasses thoroughly in order to crack down on the spread of germs.
2. Eat a balanced, wholesome diet.
Gut health is the gateway to many other body functions, so it’s very important to eat a balanced, healthy diet to ensure a strong immune system. Gut-healthy foods that are high in fiber, probiotics, protein, and healthy fats are a good place to start. Add color to your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables, especially berries rich in antioxidants and dark leafy greens full of immune-boosting nutrients called beta-carotenes.
3. Get plenty of sleep.
One of the most important ways to boost the immune system is to prioritize rest. This is crucial for your body to have the time it needs to repair and revitalize cells. When you don’t get enough sleep, you’re much more susceptible to things like the common cold. Aim for 7 hours of sleep each night at the absolute minimum, with the ideal being 8 hours.
4. Reduce stress levels.
Stress is a powerful factor in a weakened immune system. It increases inflammation in the body, decreases white blood cells responsible for fighting off infections, and also affects other wellness habits such as sleep and diet. We recommend doing yoga and meditation practices, which will help to calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and promote healthy blood flow. Not only will you feel better, but you’re also improving your chances of staying sickness-free in the long run.
5. Take a daily supplement.
Adding a supplement to your daily routine is another great way to boost the immune system. At Sango Pharmacy, we are proud to provide our community with top-notch health products from reputable, safe brands. Check out of few immune-boosting products we recommend:
- Sango Pharmacy Ultimate Immune Boost Capsules: a blend of Vitamin A, C, D3, and zinc that’s gentle on the body and provides overall immune support.
- Ortho Molecular Viracid Blister Packs: a combination of key vitamins, nutrients, and plant extracts that strengthen the body’s immune system response.
- Thorne Myco-Immune Liquid: a concentration of mushroom extracts that have shown to provide significant benefit to immune function.
- Ortho Molecular NK-Stim Capsules: a targeted formula designed to support the production of natural killer cells for promoting immune response to unhealthy cells.
- Pure Encapsulations Daily Immune Capsules: another blend of vitamins and herbal compounds for maximum immune-boosting benefits.
This is by no means an exhaustive list– browse our wellness shop for more supplements from trusted brands!
Incorporating these top ways to boost the immune system into your daily routine is a positive step in the right direction. Have additional questions about immune health? Contact us or stop by our pharmacy, and we will do everything we can to help you!