A particularly bad cold can land you in a health care facility, so it’s important to take daily steps to keep your body healthy. The immune system defends the body against infections and viruses, and there are many ways to ensure it does its job effectively. 

How to Boost Your Immunity

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Aim for diets low in fat and rich in nutrients, like selenium, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and E. Fill your meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins to get the nourishment your body needs. Antioxidant-rich ingredients, like blueberries, sweet potatoes, and spinach, help the body fight off pathogens.

2. Work Out Regularly

Regular exercise improves a range of functions, including cardiovascular health and energy. It can also increase your immunity to certain illnesses. Intense, vigorous workouts aren’t necessary in the long term, but moderate daily exercise, such as walking or swimming, improves your health and well-being.

3. Get Plenty of Sleep

As you sleep, your body produces and releases cytokines, proteins that fight inflammation and infections. Losing sleep means fewer cytokines, leaving people more vulnerable to viruses. On average, adults need around seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

4. Take Zinc & Vitamin C

Dietary supplements fill the gap when you don’t receive sufficient nutrients from a balanced diet. The immune system needs both zinc and vitamin C to function properly and protect the body from disease. Both are available in supplement form, but you only need the daily recommended amount of each. For zinc, that’s eight to nine milligrams, and for vitamin C, that’s 65 to 90 milligrams.

5. Avoid Smoking

Not only does smoking cause serious lung damage, but it also affects the body’s ability to fight off illnesses. Smoking damages the immune system and throws it off balance, increasing the risk of immune and autoimmune disorders. In general, smokers are more often in the hospital. 

Spectrum Healthcare in Cornelia, GA, offers a wide range of health services for pain management. Their health care professionals are committed to giving you the best treatments, including immediate care for colds, the flu, and minor cuts and wounds. Visit their website to learn more about their health care work, or call (706) 778-0077 to discuss your needs.