Ways to Boost Immunity During Flu Season

The Fall and Winter months are often associated with an increase in illness due to colds and viruses.
There are a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to help boost your immune system naturally.

As we move into the fall and winter months, we face the challenge of increased illness due to colds and viruses. Cases of the common cold as well as other viral infections increase considerably as the weather gets colder and more time is spent indoors in close quarters with other people.

Now is the time to start preparing your body and boosting your immune system in order to avoid a season of sickness and poor health. But what exactly should you be doing to prepare yourself? In addition to maintaining your regular appointments at our clinic for massage, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments and acupuncture, let’s take a look at a number of lifestyle changes and supplements that can help you weather the worst of cold and flu season.

How can our Clinic help with your Immunity Goals?

We offer a number of health care modalities that will help keep you healthy this winter. From massage therapy and chiropractic adjustments to homeopathic consultation and acupuncture treatment, we aim to strengthen your body.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, for the purpose of optimizing health. This can boost circulation in the body, improving the movement of lymph, a key component of your immune system. Massage Therapists use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to combine traditional massage techniques with newer variations. Inquire what may be best for you!

Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Adjustments

Physiotherapy is a treatment to restore, maintain, and make the most of a patient’s mobility, function, and well-being. Physiotherapists study the science of movement. Maintaining physiotherapy sessions can reduce pain and increase mobility, helping you to lead an active lifestyle. This can only benefit you in the future.

Similarly chiropractors are trained in how to evaluate, diagnose, recommend and deliver a treatment plan that manages issues with the spine, muscles, and nervous system.

Some of the chiropractic services we offer include: spinal health management, posture correction, concussion management, back pain and sciatica treatment, active release therapy, and kinesio taping. Call us to see what would be best in a treatment plan for you.

Acupuncture

Acupuncturists are trained health care practitioners regulated by a Board. Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, metal needles to stimulate specific points of the body; they have the ability to stimulate a release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killers. Acupuncture affects the functioning of the hormonal system, decreases inflammation, increases circulation, and relieves pain. Certain points can even be used to improve the body’s immunity; be sure to communicate your health goals with your acupuncturist.

Lifestyle Changes

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is your body’s most important restorative process, and your body needs to be given ample opportunity to rest and replenish itself.

Aim for 8 hours of sleep per night at a minimum.

This can be achieved by practicing good sleep hygiene, using fewer electronic devices before bed, and by unwinding well before your desired sleep time.

Eat a healthy diet

Fruits, vegetables, and high-quality protein are important components of an immune boosting diet. Citrus fruits contain high levels of vitamin C (prevents and shortens infections), dark leafy greens are high in Vitamin A (for fighting infections), and lean meats are a terrific source of Iron (supports a healthy cardiovascular system).

At this time of year, in particular, it is wise to avoid processed foods and empty calories that do little to nourish your body. Try to reduce the processed sugar in your diet, as sugar can have an immunosuppressive effect in the body.

Exercise regularly

Exercise not only benefits the body and supports joint health, but it can help improve your mood and energy levels as well. In the northern hemispheres, the winter months are marked by shorter daylight hours, which can have an impact on mental health and energy levels.

By exercising regularly, you ensure your cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems stay in top form, while also doing the physical work that’s involved in maintaining good mental health. Remember that we offer a number of services that enable you to maintain your exercise regimen: ADD services section.

Minimize stress

While this is definitely one item on the list that is easier said than done. By being aware of the need to slow down and breathe through stressful moments, you can temper your stress responses—those survival-related feelings of fight or flight.

Stress has been proven to lead to increased headaches, chest pain, fatigue, body pain, chronic illness, and so much more. Finding ways to manage your stress levels is one of the best things you can do to give your immune system a fighting chance. Come into our clinic for a relaxing massage or acupuncture.

Stay hydrated!

The only item on this list with an exclamation point, hydration is absolutely critical for your immune system. The human body is composed of 70% water, and replenishing body fluids is important for digestion, skin health, flushing toxins, and protecting joints.

Be proactive and drink water throughout the day. While daily needs fluctuate according to age, sex, body composition, and activity levels, 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) per day for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women is considered the minimum adequate amount. If you are thirsty, it likely means you are already headed towards dehydration!

Don’t wait while you’re in pain, request an appointment today at The Health First Group.

References

Ways to Boost Your Immunity During Flu Season