It’s always been important but as we begin to emerge from the pandemic many of us are keenly aware of the need to take care of our immune systems. And though it’s inevitable that we’ll catch a bug sooner or later, we don’t have to necessarily catch them all. Here are a few tried and true ways to help bolster your ability to fight off the contagious things this world throws at you.
Turns out healthy living is the best foundation to the ability to fend off and fight off viral infections.
1. Eat as healthily as possible. Eating a variety of mineral and antioxidant heavy foods can promote good health. Here are a few key ones that can impact immune function.
· B vitamins are found in dairy, grains, meats, eggs and beans.
· The antioxidant selenium comes from nuts, grains and meats.
· Zinc is in foods like oysters, beef, lentils and cheese.
· Vitamin C is found in lots of fruits and veggies, especially citrus. Although supplements abound, most people tend to get enough from their diet.
2. Exercise and try to maintain your healthy weight. Studies have shown that physical activity reduces your risk for inflammation and compromised immune function. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity per week and at least two strength training sessions.
3. Don’t smoke or quit if you do. This one is kind of a no-brainer and one we can’t encourage enough.
4. Get enough sleep. Another one we can’t stop talking about. Being sleep deprived can reduce immune function leaving you open to a host of communicable diseases.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day. You don’t even want to know how dirty most surfaces we come into contact with actually are. Washing your hands after you use the restroom, after you blow your nose and as soon as you get home for at least 20 seconds can help remove any bugs you could have picked up. It can also help stop you from spreading bacteria to other people.
6. Keep current with your vaccines. Getting the flu vaccine every year can reduce your risk of infection by 40-60%. The virus changes every year so it’s important to get yours at the onset of flu season to ensure you’re protected from the latest strain.
While it’s impossible to fight off every bug that you come into contact with, it is possible to avoid many of them when you’re starting off as the healthiest you that you can be. And for those times you do inevitably catch that latest bug that’s going around the office, we’re here for you.
About RevanRx
Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.
We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/vaccineeffect.htm
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system