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It’s that time of year again! The radio and television commercials are in full force, everyone’s talking about it, and you might already be preparing yourself for the inevitable.
No, we’re not talking about the Holidays, but rather the cold and flu season! Not really something to celebrate, we agree. Especially if there’s still a global pandemic breathing down our collective necks. But with or without it, the average person contracts 2 to 4 colds each winter. The CDC also has data showing that 9.3 to 49 million Americans annually come down with the flu.
A flu shot is still a great idea but check with your doctor first as it’s not right for everyone.
Even without it, there’s plenty you can do to naturally boost your immune system to enhance the odds of a winter season spent illness free. Even if you do catch a cold, the following tips can help you feel better faster.
Get your exercise.
Whether it’s a brisk walk outside, 30 minutes on the treadmill, or a crazy dance session with your kids, research shows that at least 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise increases immune functionality and reduces your chances of catching a cold.
Rest up.
A good night’s sleep (at least 7 hours) allows your body to repair and restore itself after a long, stressful day.
Clear the air.
Research shows that indoor air, on average, is twice as polluted as outdoor air. Consider installing a whole-house air purification system to remove mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses and other airborne pollutants.
Get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Zinc is a powerhouse mineral that has been proven to support and enhance the immune system. Eat zinc-rich foods like oysters, baked beans, and pumpkin seeds to get your 8 milligrams a day. And don’t forget your vitamin D, which helps regulate the immune system, increase calcium absorption, and reduce inflammation. Good sources of vitamin D are sunlight, fatty fish, and milk.
Eat real food.
Avoiding highly processed foods is a good tip any time of year, but especially important during the cold and flu season. Leafy greens are packed with flu-fighting phytonutrients, while garlic and shitake mushrooms have anti-viral properties to help boost immunity.
At GBT Heating & Cooling, we can do quite a bit to help keep those colds and the flu at bay. First, we offer multiple options for improved indoor air quality – we’ll be happy to share that information and recommend the one we think might be suit your family and home. We also recommend a seasonal furnace cleaning and inspection. A clean furnace and furnace filter go a long way to keep germs and bacteria out of the air, and out of your lungs.