The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it’s also when colds, flu, and other illnesses seem to make their rounds. With gatherings, travel, and stress, your immune system can sometimes take a hit just when you need it most. Fortunately, with a few simple strategies, you can help strengthen your immunity and stay healthy throughout the festivities.
Here are Dr. Hockstra's tips on how you can keep your immune system in top shape during the holiday season:
1. Prioritize Nutrition & Hydration
Your immune system thrives on the nutrients you get from a healthy, balanced diet. To give it the best support, fill your plate with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Staying hydrated is equally essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and try herbal teas, like ginger or peppermint, which can also have immune-boosting benefits.
2. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is one of the most underrated aspects of maintaining a strong immune system. Chronic sleep deprivation weakens your immune response, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. During the holidays, aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Prioritize rest and allow your body to recharge so that it can effectively fight off viruses and bacteria.
3. Manage Stress Levels
The holidays can be stressful because of all of the additional activities and expectations. Dr. Hockstra suggests the following tip, "Remember that time is your greatest commodity." Here are his top suggestions for managing stress by managing your time:
Pre-plan your holiday calendar, and don't overbook yourself.
Prioritize downtime. Relax. Drink hot tea. Take a walk.
Focus on what is most important. It's easy to get lost in the details of holiday dinners, decorations, and gifts. Holidays are about building memories with people, not making everything perfect.
Managing stress not only boosts your mood but also helps keep your immune system functioning at its best.
4. Keep Moving: Stay Active
Exercise has a direct positive effect on your immune system. Regular physical activity boosts circulation, helps manage stress, and promotes better sleep. During the holiday season, try to incorporate movement into your day, whether it's a brisk walk after a festive meal or a short workout in between shopping trips.
Even just 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise can help enhance your immunity and reduce your chances of falling sick.
5. Consider Immune-Boosting Supplements
Certain supplements can help support your immune system, especially during the winter months when your body may not get as much sunshine or fresh produce. Dr. Hockstra's favorite recommendations are listed below. Stop by our office to pick them up, or simply click the links below to purchase and have them shipped directly to you.
Chewable Vitamin C: Known for its role in supporting the immune system, vitamin C can help fight off infections.
Immune Active: This easy-to-take, once-a-day supplement provides five active ingredients formulated to keep your immune system healthy.
Andrographis Plus: Do you think you're coming down with a cold, flu, or another sickness? This is a must to keep on hand.
Golden Fusion: This is a modern take on a centuries-old golden milk recipe that is both great tasting and convenient. It features curcumin and fenugreek along with grass-fed collagen peptides. Organic herbs turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, Indian cardamom, and moringa in an organic coconut milk powder base round out this innovative formula.
Note: We will have all of these available for purchase during the holidays! Simply call or email the office, and we can help you get what you need.
The holiday season is a time to celebrate and enjoy time with family and friends, but your health should always be a top priority. By incorporating these simple strategies into your routine—eating well, staying hydrated, managing stress, and getting enough rest—you can help ensure that your immune system stays strong and resilient so you can fully embrace the season with vitality and joy.
Stay healthy and enjoy the holidays!
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