7 Ways You Can Keep Your Immune System Healthy

Staying healthy and protecting yourself and your family from the cold, the flu and other germs seem to be on everyone’s mind right now...

Especially if you’re traveling or even doing everyday things like commuting to work or taking your kids to school.

Luckily there are steps you can take to build a strong immune system and keep yourself healthy not just during cold & flu season, but all year long!

1.Eat More Whole Foods

Yes, it's true! A healthy immune system starts with what you eat. Limit processed foods and increase your intake of fruits and veggies! 

2. Drink Lots of Water

Staying hydrated is essential for a healthy immune system. Water helps rid your body of toxins and bacteria, and can ultimately help keep you from getting sick. We recommend drinking at least half your body weight in ounces. 

3. Load up on Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a great immune booster, especially in its natural forms such as fruits and veggies! It's even more effective if you increase your intake BEFORE getting sick. So grab yourself a handful of strawberries and get snacking!

Foods Highest in Vitamin C:

Broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, orange juice, papaya, red, green or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.

4. Get Plenty of Sleep

Sleep is super important to a healthy immune system. In fact, those who don't get enough sleep are more likely to get sick. Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

5. Manage Your Stress

If you're constantly stressed (also known as chronic stress) - the stress hormone, cortisol, can really weaken your immune system. Reduce your stress with some meditation or a quick workout!

6. Wash Your Hands Frequently

One of the easiest ways to keep germs from spreading is to wash them away! Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom and after sneezing or coughing. 

7. Naturally Fight Bacteria With ACV

Apple Cider Vinegar has been used for over 5000 years as a medicinal vinegar. It was used during the civil war to disinfect wounds and Japanese Samurais drank it for strength and power.

There are a number of properties in ACV that can aid the immune system in one way or another. ACV contains potent malic acid. This is a strong antiviral and one reason why many people who take ACV daily feel their immunity is boosted as they do not experience as many colds or other viral infections.

Furthermore, apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes all of which are beneficial to the body.

Finally, ACV contains probiotic microorganisms.  As your gut flora is imperative to maintaining a healthy immune system, using apple cider vinegar to promote the growth of good bacteria could just improve your overall immunity.

Shy of living in a bubble, there’s really no escaping immune system challenges. But, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle (including proper hygiene), you can certainly tap the right healthy immune system-supporting ingredients to give your body support.

Stay Well! ♥︎