4 Ways You Can Look After Your Immune System

Although colds and flu typically strike during the colder months of the year, it is still easy to fall prey to certain illnesses when our immune system isn’t operating at it’s best. Viral and bacterial infections thrive in conditions where they find little resistance, so it’s always important, no matter what time of the year it is, to do what you can to keep your body’s defences working at their optimum.

If you often find yourself falling victim to infection, it may be worth visiting the doctor to see if there’s anything they do to help you. For many types of viral or bacterial illness, antibiotic medication can help.

However, you can give your body a better chance at fighting off illness by looking after your immune system, and keeping it fighting fit. Here are four simple ways you can do so:

Ensure You’re Getting Enough Vitamin C

When keeping colds and other viruses at bay, vitamin C is a vital nutrient for our bodies. Whether it is a glass of orange juice in the morning, or a supplement, getting the right amount of vitamins can help you fight off those annoying illnesses. However, it is possible to consume too much vitamin C, so it’s important to speak to your doctor about supplements if you’re unsure.

Caffeine: Don’t Overdo It

Coffee has it’s benefits. But when you’re feeling under the weather, too much caffeine can weaken your immune system and prolong your recovery time. In these cases, you should be sticking to herbal and fruit teas to ease symptoms.

Get Some Sleep

It’s amazing how much a good night’s sleep can do for your body. When we’re tired or overworked, it’s natural to feel run down and unhealthy. That’s because when our bodies are exhausted, our immune systems are weaker, leaving us more susceptible to illness. To keep your immune system in shape, try to get the minimum eight hours’ sleep a night on a regular basis.

Stay Out of the Cold

Although it isn’t strictly the cold weather which causes colds, spending long periods in colder conditions takes it’s toll on the body, and can leave your immune system in a vulnerable state. Always wrap up on colder days, and don’t subject yourself to inclement weather for longer than you have to.

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