7 Ways to Boost Your Immune System During Flu Season

Singapore's two peak flu season is from April to June and around the year end from September to December.

To prepare us for the upcoming flu season, here are seven tips to boost your immune system so that you won’t be susceptible to falling ill.

Falling ill robs us of both our time and money, so let’s keep our immune system strong and healthy!

1. Strengthen Your Gut

Do you know that approximately 80% of your immune system lies in your gut? Hence, it is of utmost importance that you maintain a strong and good digestive health by ensuring that you have a healthy balance of probiotics – the “good” bacteria in your gut.

Time to start incorporating food which are rich in probiotics in your diet such as sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, kombucha, yogurt, soft cheeses, miso soup, or kefir.

Not a fan of any of these? Probiotic supplements help too.

 

2. Reach for Zinc

Zinc has been known to shorten the effects of flu and cold with its powerful immune-boosting functions and protective effects.

It keeps the cold virus from multiplying, hence take it once you experience the slightest symptom of a flu or a cold.

Foods that are rich in zinc include oysters, spinach, cashews, beans, and dark chocolates (yay!).

You can also choose to also supplement your zinc with GreenLife Zinc Chelate.

 

3. Exercise Regularly

Exercising is one of the keys to being healthy and keeping your immune system strong and functioning.

Even just 20 minutes of moderate exercise can have anti-inflammatory effects that boost your immune system. 

Put on that pair of running shoes and slip into your exercise attire and take the steps to a healthier you today!

 

4. Wear Proper Mask for Protection

 

Following advice from the Ministry of Health, mask wearing is compulsory when heading out.

 

5. Hydrate Constantly

Keep your immune system strong and functioning at all times by practising good health habits.

Always hydrate yourself and drink at least a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day to clear out all toxins and flu bugs that may be lingering in your system.

 

6. Load up on Vitamin C

Vitamin C is well known for its deterrence to the common cold and flu. However, besides that, it also has a strong antioxidant function, strengthens blood vessels, and gives the skin its elasticity!

Load up on your Vitamin C with oranges, guava, kiwi, red and green peppers, Brussel sprouts, grapefruits, strawberries and cantaloupe melons.

Alternatively, supplement it with GreenLife’s Vitamin C with Rose Hips.

 

 

7. Get Plenty of Sleep

If you hadn’t known yet, getting enough sleep has a myriad of benefits, one of which is maintaining a healthy immune system.

Lack of sleep makes us more prone to getting flu and cold as it suppresses immune function. While sleeping, our immune system releases a type of protein called cytokines, which need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation.

 

 

This blog post was first published on March 2018. It has since been updated.