Following are additional helpful ideas for maintaining healthy immune functions:
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Eat a diet high in whole plant foods - plants contain a wide variety of essential nutrients that are not available in other foods. These include vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants that work to keep your immune system strong and protect your well being. Source
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Exercise regularly - Similar to a healthy diet, moderate exercise can contribute to good overall health, as well as a thriving immune system. Exercise regularly to improve your immune response, lower illness risk, and reduce inflammation. Source
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Get enough sleep - Getting too little sleep could adversely affect your body’s immune functions, leaving you more likely to get sick. While sleep requirements can vary across different people, most adults need 7.5 hours of sleep each night. Source
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Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption - If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation (and ideally not at all). As much as you may enjoy it, alcohol has negative effects on your immune system. Source
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Minimize stress - Current understandings of medicine and wellness incorporate the closely linked relationship between mind and body. A wide range of health issues are linked to the impact of emotional stress. In short, if you keep your stress to a minimum, your immune system will be better off. Source
One great way to minimize stress is through meditation. Here’s a few of our favorite meditation apps that can get you started: -
Wash or sanitize your hands frequently - According to the CDC, hand washing and sanitizing is one of the best rules to follow in order to prevent illnesses and the spread of infections. Just make sure you don’t rush it. Take your time with the soap and water, and clean thoroughly. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the best second choice. Source 1 | Source 2
Please check with your own health practitioner for any potential modifications, contraindications or substitutes to the information provided above.