How To Boost Your Immune System For The Cold and Flu Season
By Sera Eden, Health Coach
As winter approaches with chilly air, cozy vibes and festive cheer, the season also brings colds, the flu, and other illnesses. Now is the perfect time to strengthen your immune system with nutrient-rich foods, key supplements, and healthy habits to help ensure you won’t miss a moment of that winter magic!
Key nutrients for winter
Including healthy foods in your daily diet will bolster your immune system with key nutrients that support cell health, fight infection, and protect your skin from frosty winter weather:
- Vitamin C: Supports white blood cells to fight infections. Enjoy citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits), broccoli, brussels sprouts and kale.
- Vitamin A: Strengthens skin and mucous membranes. Reach for sweet potatoes, carrots, and dark leafy greens.
- Vitamin E: Protects immune cells. Nuts, seeds, spinach, and avocado are great sources.
- Healthy Fats: Omega-3s from salmon, walnuts, oysters, tuna, chia seeds and flaxseeds support immunity and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Protein: Essential for immune cell production. Try lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, Greek yogurt and tofu.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water (try adding some fresh-squeezed lemon) and sip on warming herbal teas containing ginger and echinacea to support immunity.
Supplements for extra support
While a nutritious diet is key, certain supplements can help fill in the gaps and give your immune system a boost:
- Vitamin D: With less sunlight in the winter, some of us become deficient in Vitamin D, which is important for bone, muscle and nerve health as well as immune system function. Your medical provider can check your levels with a simple blood test and if you are deficient, consider a dietary supplement and/or consume foods such as mushrooms, egg yolks and sardines.
- Zinc: Important for immune function. Foods like shellfish, seeds, and beans are rich in zinc.
- Probiotics: Seventy to 80 percent of immune cells are found in the gut, so it’s important to support gut health with yogurt, sauerkraut, or supplements to help keep your immune system balanced.
- Elderberry: Known for its anti-viral properties, elderberry is a great supplement to boost immunity during flu season.
Lifestyle habits that enhance immunity
Along with good nutrition and supplements, small lifestyle changes can help keep your immune system strong during the dark days of winter:
- Get plenty of sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Your body repairs itself during sleep and your immune system functions best when you’re well-rested.
- Manage stress: Find ways to relax—whether through yoga, sauna, reading, playing board games with loved ones, or post-meal walks—to reduce stress and support immunity.
- Stay active: Exercise boosts circulation and immune cell function. Get outdoors in the crisp air to enjoy winter activities like hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding, and continue to workout and have fun in your favorite Active Wellness Center group classes!
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, avoid contact with sick individuals, and clean frequently touched surfaces to prevent illness.
Winter is the time to nourish your body with immune-boosting foods, support it with supplements, and maintain healthy habits. With the right approach, you can stay strong, healthy, and resilient throughout the colder months, ready to enjoy all the season has to offer!
Looking for more tips on health and overall well-being? Connect with Health Coach Sera Eden by emailing her at sera.eden@activewellnesscenter.com