13 Ways To Naturally Boost Your Immune System This Winter

Winter is at the gates and is already stretching out its cold feelers. Time to get the thick jackets and coats out of the box. Since the cold season also increases the likelihood of catching a flu or other viral illness, we take a look at some ways you can naturally strengthen your immune system so that it has something to counter the attacks of viruses, bacteria and co.

Eat the right thing

You are what you eat. This old saying applies perfectly to our immune system, as the gut plays a considerable role in how well it functions. Focus on a healthy, balanced diet and eat all kinds of foods, especially fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouts. Eat organic produce (regional and seasonal) that has been gently processed. The nutrients in these foods will not only have a positive effect on the immune system!

More flavour

Add herbs and spices to your food as they are known to have antibacterial and antiseptic properties. They also add great flavour to any dish! Just a pinch of this and a pinch of that and you have a meal that boosts the immune system!

More garlic

This bulb has earned a special place in this list for its antimicrobial properties. Eating raw garlic is one of the strongest (and hottest!) ways to strengthen your defences!

Drink a lot

Water is the best way to cleanse your body of all kinds of toxins and ensure that our immune system stays strong.

Less sugar

Refined sugar has many negative effects on our body. For example, it is not really good for the immune system, as it tends to cause inflammation in the body, which weakens the defence system. Therefore, switch to natural sources of sugar such as fruits and reduce household sugar.

Less alcohol

Alcohol is known to inhibit the immune system, and you definitely don't need that when you have the flu or a cold. So reduce your alcohol consumption in winter and drink freshly squeezed fruit juice instead, because it contains many vitamins.

Exercise & Sport

Physical activity of all kinds has a positive effect on the body's defences. This does not have to be in the gym, it can also be a simple half-hour walk every day. Daily exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes ...

Get enough sleep

The immune system is strengthened during sleep. People who are sleep deprived are also sick more often. So make sure you get about eight hours of sleep every night to stay fit.

Reduce stress

Try not to stress yourself too much. It is now a well-known fact that stress increases our susceptibility to illness and that people with higher stress levels get sick more often. The best way to combat stress is to consciously make time for activities that relax you. Whether that's a good book, yoga or exercise is up to you. The important thing is that you really take the time to switch off regularly.

Properly dressed, winter can come

Make sure that you dress appropriately for the temperatures in winter. Especially the hands and face, but also the feet are often forgotten. Dress warmly and stay healthy. The body's defence system suffers when we are cold.

Frequent hand washing

Of course, it is always a good idea to wash your hands regularly. But especially in winter, when the viral load is high and colds and flu are in high season, it is a good idea to wash your hands often - with soap and for at least 20 seconds.

Social contacts

Feeling lonely or isolated not only affects our mood, but these feelings can also even weaken our immune system. So actively seek out social contacts and spend time with family and friends.

Reduce problematic substances

We are surrounded by countless substances that have the potential to have a negative effect on us. For example, there are many cleaning products that contain ingredients that can negatively affect our immune system. So always make sure to use green cleaning products as much as possible to keep your home and body clean.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to get through the cold season well with a strong immune system. With this in mind, we wish you a wonderful winter!