The flu season is upon us. For most of us, we can’t just avoid public places where we contract the virus but we can take precautions to ensure we stay healthy through the flu season.
EXERCISE REGULARLY. Research indicates that exercise can stimulate the immune system. In a recent study reported in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, scientists found that modest exercise may prevent the elderly from getting colds and flu.
GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP. Lack of sleep may profoundly inhibit your immune system. Get a full night’s sleep, 7-9 hours, to keep your body’s natural defenses at optimum efficiency.
EAT A HEALTHY DIET RICH IN VITAMINS C AND E. Foods containing these vitamins are believed to be helpful in supporting the immune system. Make an effort to reduce your intake of concentrated sugar (e.g. soda, candy) because excessive sugar impairs the immune response.
WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY. Flu viruses are spread by droplets from infected people when they sneeze, blow their nose, or wipe away secretions from their nose or eyes. For most of us, it’s hard to avoid public places completely so during flu season. Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly several times a day, especially before meals. I keep dōTERRA On Guard Sanitizing Mist in my car and spray myself and my kids each time we get back in the car. Plus it smells great!
STAY HYDRATED. Increasing your water intake will help you stay healthy and lessen the chance of you coming down with flu. When you are feeling under the weather, drinking extra fluids prevents dehydration caused by fever. Warm liquids are preferable, and there is some evidence that inhaling steam early in the course of a cold or flu may reduce the spread of viruses in your upper respiratory tract.
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