

During winter, our immune system remains the weakest owing to the effects of changing weather, including infections and contagious diseases like cold, fever, and flu. However, according to Ayurvedic studies, winter is also the season that can help you boost immunity if you make a few changes in your diet. Adding some of the best winter superfoods to your diet, you will be able to see positive results in a few days. Apart from the diet, there are some other preventative measures that you can take to boost your immunity and stay healthy during the season. You can keep most diseases at bay even during the coldest days of the year by following some simple steps to boost immunity.
7 Ways to Boost Immunity in Winters
Find out how to increase immunity during the winter months following some simple home remedies, tips, and tricks mentioned below:
1. Get Your Annual Flu Shot
With more than 40,000 deaths from infections every year, getting the flu shot is an excellent protective measure and also helps boost immunity. It is not just COVID-19 that spreads like fire during this season but also many other viruses such as rhinovirus, adenoviruses, influenza viruses, etc. The last thing you want is to contract multiple viral infections, doubling your risk of health complications.
If you are wondering how to increase immunity, staying up to date on vaccinations during the winter months is vital. By getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself but other people who are highly susceptible to infections like children and the elderly. This is one of the many ways to boost immunity.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet
Foods that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants have properties to boost immunity as well as the ability to fight disease-causing free radicals and inflammation inside your body. Avoid deep-fried or processed foods high in sugar and fat.
Include numerous citrus fruits, which are rich in immune-boosting vitamins. Include onions, garlic, and turmeric in your food during winter. And lastly, if you want to know more about how to increase immunity home remedies, remember to include whole foods in your diet as they provide countless nutrients.
3. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is the key answer to the question “how to improve immunity?”, especially during winters when our water intake is significantly less. Water performs two crucial functions in your body: it carries oxygen to your cells, and flushes bacteria and infection-causing toxins away from them. Keep your body well-hydrated and boost immunity by consuming 8-10 glasses of water daily. While you’re at it, try to limit your alcohol consumption and avoid smoking, as both activities dehydrate your body.
If you do not like to drink plain water, a great immunity boosting drink can be lemon water. Add a slice of lemon in water to provide your body with an extra dose of vitamin C. Make sure you stay hydrated so that your body can produce sufficient immune-boosting cells and white cells. It will make sure you stay as healthy as possible during winter.
4. Stay Active
Are you lazy around this time and keep falling sick? Are you wondering how to increase immunity? Well, lack of exercise during these months can wrongly affect our immune system. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise like walking, hiking, or yoga to boost your immunity.
By increasing your blood flow, exercise can help encourage the production of white blood cells, which protect your body from diseases. A daily exercise routine will help you to learn how to increase immunity power.
5. Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting six to eight hours of sleep as an adult is vital to your health and productivity. Rest is also critical to boost immunity since your body regenerates when you sleep. Follow a good sleep routine, including keeping the blue-light-emitting devices out of the bedroom to ensure better sleep.
6. Take Supplements
A multivitamin can be very helpful to boost immunity all year round but those who follow a well-balanced diet may not need it. However, immune booster supplements are important for those who are not able to consume a proper diet. Studies show that zinc consumption helps in fighting off respiratory viruses, while added vitamins C, D, and B12 may add more health benefits.
Among some important vitamins and minerals for boosting immunity, vitamin D is a crucial one. It is a vitamin that we need more in the winter as we get low exposure to sunlight. This less exposure affects our immunity which leads us to fall sick. Learning more about supplements will help you gain more knowledge on how to improve immunity.
7. Minimise Stress
When you undergo stress, it can release the hormone cortisol, leading to inflammation and suppressing your immune system. Many studies suggest that people who stress less are the ones with good immunity and are less likely to fall sick. Good mood is also helpful to boost immunity.
Are you wondering how to increase immunity power during times of distress? Try deep breathing, meditation, prayer, or exercise and get familiar with the activities that help you reduce stress.
Conclusion
Staying healthy during the coldest days of the year can be difficult at times but it is not impossible. By following these simple steps, you can boost your immunity in winter and stay healthy during the season. These steps on how to increase immunity can help you protect yourself from harmful germs; weather changes; and several contagious diseases like flu, fever, and cold.