By Madison Headen
Even though we are only one week in, the 2020 school year has been unlike any other. As students of a large university, much of our focus has been taken up by the impending threat of COVID-19 and its implications for the rest of the school year and our lives, rather than our schoolwork. With the stress and hysteria of the pandemic, it is easy to forget that fall is approaching, and that with it comes flu season. Many people get vaccinated for the flu, but it is still possible to get the flu, as well as other mild illnesses, such as the common cold. Therefore, it is more important than ever to maintain a healthy, functional immune system. Although the exposure to germs during flu season is an inevitable reality, there are easy ways to boost your immune system to help your body fight these infections.
Getting an adequate amount of sleep is an easy way for us to boost our immunity, however, more than 1/3 of American adults do not get a healthy amount of sleep each night. With schoolwork, jobs, and maintaining a healthy social life, it’s easy to miss out on a minimum of 7 hours adults need every night. In spite of our busy lives, we need to maintain a healthy sleep schedule for a healthy immune system. Sleep deprivation is linked with a higher susceptibility to illnesses, and regulating our circadian rhythm is a manageable way to support a stronger immune system.
Nutrition is a big factor for a healthy immune system, and it is one that many of us can easily fix. Making simple changes in your diet, like snacking on fruits, which are high in inflammation-reducing antioxidants, instead of processed goods, is a great way to boost your immune system by lowering inflammation. In addition to antioxidants, certain fruits, such as oranges and strawberries, are rich in Vitamin C. Healthy fats can also help reduce inflammation, and are found in foods like nuts, avocados, and salmon. Probiotics are a type of supplement that assists our immune system. You can take these in a supplement form, or you can find them naturally through yogurts and kombucha teas. On top of sustaining a balanced diet, hydration is key to keeping away illness. Over time, dehydration can suppress your immune system so make sure to stay hydrated at all times!
Many people think that exercise is only good for keeping your body in ideal shape, but most doctors theorize that a healthy level of exercise is good for our immune systems. It is thought that small amounts of exercise can flush germs out of our lungs and airways and that it aids in the circulation of antibodies and white blood cells. In addition to all of these benefits, exercise is great for our stress levels. Mental health can have a big impact on our physical health, and because of that, it is important to incorporate small amounts of exercise into our lives each day.
It is critical that we prepare our bodies for the germs and viruses that are going to spread in the upcoming months in addition to COVID-19. Amidst the struggles of a global pandemic, it is easy to forget about all of the common illnesses that go around each year. However, making simple lifestyle choices can go a long way in preventing the common illnesses that we are exposed to each year.
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