Immune-boosting Tips

We all dread the cold and flu season that sneaks up on us as the weather gets cooler. It starts with overhearing the occasional cough or sneeze on the bus, and suddenly the entire office or classroom seems to be sniffling. Have no fear! These immune-boosting tips can help prevent whatever cold or flu virus is lurking. 1. Do a moderate amount of exercise That’s right not too much, and not to little. While many of us have heard that exercise can help boost the immune system, overdoing it—such as training for marathons or working out to the point of exhaustion—can stress out the immune system, doing more harm than good. It’s all about finding a happy medium. 2. Laugh, think positive, and don’t be stressed! Looks like being a hypochondriac isn’t the key to staying healthy. In fact, the key may be to relax a bit. Laughin, getting plentyof sleep, staying positive, and avoiding stress have all been shown to boost the immune system. So put on your favourite comedy, gather your friends, and laugh it up! 3. Eat plenty of antioxidants Generally, foods that are naturally brightly coloured (no, not fluorescent-coloured candy or soft drinks) are higher in disease-fighting antioxidants, and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and boost immunity. That means berries, green tea, leafy greens, and much, much more. Shop the produce aisles and stock up on brightly coloured fruits and veggies. 4. Sharing is not caring Here’s an immune-boosting tip that will surprise no one: wash your hands(often, and properly!) and be cautious about germy surfaces such as computers, pens, door handles, and phones. Want more cold and flu fighting tips? Check out our articles ‘’Caught a Cold or the Flu?’’ and ‘’Gesundheit!’’