Top tips to boost your immune system from our Jacksonville, FL health experts

You’re not crazy. Yes, everyone is getting sick this winter. With infections on the rise from Omicron and familiar seasonal illnesses of the past, now is the time to start investing in your immune system.

Across the U.S. millions of individuals are coughing, sneezing and quarantining with one of countless viruses circulating this season. The omicron variant of COVID-19 has spread in record numbers with the help of holiday travel and is expected to peak in new infections later this month. A recently published report by the University of Florida claiming ‘80 percent of Florida will have coronavirus by the end of the omicron wave’ highlighted the prevalence of the milder form of the virus. Additionally, the common cold and seasonal flu cases are rising alongside the pandemic’s surge. 

Although the impending flu season may seem bleak, preventive measures, like regular handwashing, getting the flu shot and wearing a mask, paired with best practices that are proven to prime your immune system, can make a big difference. 

Whether you’re worried about the arrival of flu season here in Florida or year three of the pandemic, there’s always more you can do to boost your natural immunity. Our Jacksonville-based health experts have prepared a list of top tips for boosting your immune system, better preparing your body to resist illness or recover when feeling under the weather. Keep reading to learn more! 

Supplement Your Body with Vitamin-D

Last year, we discussed explicitly how vitamin D might help individuals reduce their risk of severe coronavirus infections. While medical researchers have not verified this, many studies point to the direct correlation between vitamin D levels and immune response. 

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining optimal health and facilitating numerous bodily functions. It is most commonly associated with having a beneficial effect on the immune system, especially regarding protection against infection. Additionally, vitamin D has been credited as a contributing factor to maintaining healthy bones and teeth, preventing conditions like type 1 and 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hypertension and much more. 

Nearly everyone has a vitamin D deficiency, which is why we recommend most patients to take an oral vitamin D supplement daily. Doing this can provide a significant boost to your immune system. 

Manage Your Stress Levels

The arrival of flu season might be enough to send your blood pressure skyrocketing; however, that stress could be counter-productive when it comes to our immune systems. 

Minimizing stress and anxiety is critical for maintaining one’s health. Medical studies indicate that long-term psychological stress can negatively impact our bodies in a multitude of ways, from causing inflammation to balancing immune cell response. For this reason, it is vital to closely monitor your daily stress, ensuring to take part in activities that are proven to lower stress. Yes, regularly participating in activities like meditation, yoga, exercise, and favorite hobbies can actually help keep your immune system functioning properly.

Enjoy a Colorful, Whole Diet

With New Year’s Resolutions to eat a healthier diet still only weeks underway, this one should be easy, right? But, resolutions aside, a balanced, high-fiber and colorful diet is one of the best ways to keep immune systems functioning at their best. 

Natural diets that incorporate lots of whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes are rich in nutrients and antioxidants and may provide our body’s immune system with the right mix of fuel to ward off harmful pathogens. Additionally, consuming healthy fats, like those found in olive oil and salmon, also packed with rich omega-3s, may boost your body’s immune response to pathogens by decreasing inflammation.

Other Ways To Boost Your Immune System

Beyond the methods outlined above, there are many other ways to boost your immune system and better protect your health this flu season. The Harvard School of Medicine recently recommended these other top healthy-living strategies for maintaining a strong immune system:

• Don’t smoke.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
• Keep current with all recommended vaccines. Vaccines prime your immune system to fight off infections before they take hold in your body.

The most important thing to remember is that following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system working properly.

Interested in even more ways to boost your immune system this flu season? Contact our Jacksonville, FL health and wellness team today. We’re standing by to provide you with the very best health advice, products and services to help you feel your best. Call us at 904-724-5767 or request an appointment to get started today!

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