With winter's arrival right around the corner, now's a good time to start taking precautionary measures to ensure your immune system is at it's best. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal influenza impacts millions of Americans, putting thousands in the hospital with infections and causing hundreds of fatalities.
What's worse is the CDC strongly suggesting that the first and best way to protect yourself from the flu is by receiving your annual vaccine. For years, the Hallelujah Diet team has doubted the power of the vaccine and its ability to treat and heal - after all, potentially dangerous ingredients such as aluminum, antibiotics, formaldehyde, monosodium glutamate and thimerosal can be found in vaccines. Unfortunately, these doctors and so-called health experts will continue recommending immunizations because vaccines are profiting them. Most times, they're not concerned about boosting your immune system just in time for flu season; they're interested in thickening their wallets.
With that said, don't assume the flu vaccine will reduce your chance of getting sick this winter. There are plenty of natural ways to recharge your immune system before the cold rolls in and ensure you stay in top shape year-round. Consider these tips:
1. Prioritize Sleep
Your body counts on you to head to bed every night around the same time to ensure you get your daily recommended rest of 7 to 9 hours. During this time, you're giving your system a chance to rest and replenish for the following day. According to Mother Earth News, sleep deprivation enhances inflammatory chemicals and wreaks havoc on your immune system. Prioritizing a regular sleep schedule and enough time for efficient shut eye is key to overall wellness.
2. Take a Probiotic Supplement
Some bacteria are essential to optimal immune function. More than 80% of the immune system is in the gut, so it is critical to have the right kind of bacteria in your gut. The beneficial microorganisms known as "good" bacteria can strengthen the immune system and help the body fight off infection and disease. To ensure your intestinal tract is colonized by good bacteria, consider taking a probiotic supplement. Hallelujah Diet Professional Strength Probiotics deliver up to 60 percent of the beneficial bacteria to your colon, compared to only about 4% with common probiotics, coating your entire gastrointestinal tract tract and shielding you from harmful, disease-ridden bacteria. This supplement doesn't only boost your immune system, but it can also alleviate digestive comfort you may already experience such as bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
3. Spend Time in the Sun
Did you know that vitamin D contributes to a healthy immune system? With a vitamin D deficiency, you may develop asthma, cancer, respiratory infections, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases that can debilitate you for the rest of your life. While most foods don't contain much vitamin D, you can get the essential nutrient from sun exposure in the summer time. If you live north of Florida, you can't make vitamin D from winter sunshine so a supplement of at least 2,000 IU a day is recommended between September and April.
4. Exercise
Working out is certainly beneficial for mental stimulation and physical appearance, and it also helps your immune system. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, exercising helps to flush bacteria out of the lungs, which can reduce your chance of developing a cold, the flu or another similar illness. Physical activity also causes a positive change in the white cells, which are used to fight diseases. If you don't already exercise regularly, now's a time to consider implementing it into your daily routine. Start slow - a mere 20 minutes a day can benefit you - and gradually work your way into 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity every week.
5. Follow a Plant-Based Diet
While vitamin C is most commonly associated with a boosted immune system, it's not the only micronutrient you need to focus on. Vitamins A, B2, B6 and E are also essential when it comes to your immunity. Beyond taking supplements, consider what kind of changes you can make in your diet to ensure you're getting all of these essential vitamins in your system. A plant-based eating regimen, such as the Hallelujah Diet, is loaded with an abundance of nutrients from raw fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds and nuts that'll keep you healthy all winter long. This variety will keep your taste buds satisfied and overall health optimized.
"Our immune system depends upon having all the essential nutrients in the right balance for its optimal function," Walter Willett, M.D., chairman of the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health told Consumer Reports.
By adopting these healthy habits, you can recharge your immune system and ensure your health before the cold rolls in. For more tips on living your life the fullest, just as God intended for you, subscribe to our emails for daily blogs.
"Vitamin D contributes to a healthy immune system."
