Everyone in Northern Virginia has a different reaction to the sudden temperature change this week. As time goes on, the seasons seem to move from gradual change to on/off switches. Our bodies are not accustomed to this change, and it puts our immune systems under greater stress.
You have already seen the effects. Employees in the area are reporting sick and staying home because of a cold (or worse, they’re working when they shouldn’t be). Illnesses like the cold or the flu are often brushed aside as something you can deal with until you get sick. Don’t play into that mindset when you can proactive and take action today to keep your immune system in top shape and avoid the next wave of colds.
Avoid Toxins
Toxins are everywhere. In our food, our drinks, the dirt we touch, and even the air we breathe. To avoid all toxins would be impossible, but you can greatly reduce your toxin intake. For example, the easiest advice we can give is to avoid smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Limit your alcohol intake. Any drug puts a large number of toxins directly into your body and directly affects your immune system.
Eat a Healthy Diet with Lots of Fruits and Vegetables
The best diet is a balanced diet. Not restricting yourself to one food group or even counting calories, your best bet for a good immune system is an even diet with the right proportion of fruits and vegetables.
Nature provides us with the best resources for our health. Vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Iron, Selenium, and more are in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Even adding steamed broccoli to your meals and having some fruit for dessert can do wonders for your body and your health.
Get an Adequate Amount of Sleep
This country is in crisis mode when it comes to sleep deprivation. 33% of U.S. adults don’t get the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night. Sleep deprivation is one of the easiest and fastest ways to send your body’s immune system into a downward spiral. Remember the best advice for a cold is GET PLENTY of REST, and STAY HYDRATED.
For those of you with a busy schedule, you may not even notice that sleep deprivation is an issue. You may be overwhelmed with stress that won’t go away until you get a full night’s sleep. It bears repeating that if you are sleep deprived, sleep is your only cure. Nothing else will help.
Use Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is one of the most undervalued approaches to good health in the market. These oils, used either with a diffuser or sometimes applied directly on the body, can boost the vitamins and nutrients needed to strengthen your immune system.
Lemon, for example, is an effective essential oil for boosting your immune system and detoxing. In the fall a blend of oils known as Thieves Oil can help your body deal with all the bugs going around.
Get a Massage
A massage is directly correlated to your immune system by activating the lymphatic system. It can make the above methods much more effective. Particularly by releasing toxins and helping to get enough sleep.
Massage itself is a natural and ancient method of relieving the body of its toxins. Toxins like to gather around the fascia, and congregate there creating pain and stress on the individual. A good massage encourages blood flow throughout the body to push those toxins right out and replace them with beneficial biochemicals. The result is a detox of the body, and stress relief enough to help with any insomnia.
You owe it to your body to take the steps necessary to keep it strong and healthy. Don’t let your immune system fall this season, take action today and always make your health a priority.
