Ever wonder why so many people get the flu right after the holidays? Too much sugar and poor food choices over the holidays are a big contributing factor. And for adults, add too much alcohol to the mix!
Here’s how you can boost your immune system to help prevent colds and flu this winter:
- Avoid sugar, including fruit juices and alcohol. Sugar suppresses the immune system.
- Get adequate sleep every night.
- Keep up some kind of exercise regimen, even during the holidays.
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.
- Eat your fruits and veggies daily to get plenty of phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. Phytonutrients boost your immunity against many diseases.
- Be sure you’re getting enough Vitamin D and/or that your Vitamin D levels are adequate. Recent studies of 19,000 people support the role of Vitamin D in the prevention of colds and flu and other upper respiratory infections. (Be sure to ask your doctor to test for Vitamin D as some doctors still do not test for it automatically).
- Take Vitamin C every day or eat an orange or grapefruit daily (whole fruit, not juice).
- Relax. Find ways to release stress daily, such as walking, yoga, meditation or any other method that works for you.
- Seek Chinese medicine help. If you get a cold or flu this winter, consider acupuncture and herbs, which can shorten the duration and severity of colds, sore throats and the flu.
If you do get one or more colds every winter, your immune system needs a boost. Acupuncture and herbs can help. Western studies have shown that an acupoint named Stomach 36, for example, increases white blood count (immunity). We also have herbal formulas that build immunity.
For more information about Chinese medicine, visit my website: eastwestom.com
