Flu Season Is Here! 6 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

According to Harvard Health Publishing, “your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy.

Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies, according to Dr. Donna Perillo, DC, CNS, NMD; creator of “Arthriticise for Low Back and Neck Pain,” “Decrease Stress and Anxiety in 21 Days,” and the “Habits of Healing” podcast.

Below she offers 7 ways you can boost your immune system this flu season.

  1. Get enough sleep. Most people require 7-8 hours a day, although everyone’s requirements are different.
  2.  Maintaining a healthy diet. Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, and fiber. Use non-GMO and non-hybridized foods, organic, grass fed meats, free-range poultry, and eggs.
  3.  Regular exercise and physical activity. Maintain some form of activity on a regular basis—walking, yoga, kick-box, lifting weights, biking, running.
  4.  Decrease stress. Everyone handles stress very differently. Learn how to control the way you respond to your stress. Things like mediation, visualization, and yoga can help reduce the physiological responses of increased adrenaline and cortisol.
  5.  Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoke has so many toxins I couldn’t possibly list them, but it is a known fact smoking has a negative effect on the immune system.
  6.  Don’t drink alcohol. It creates more physiological stress for the liver and kidneys.

Dr. Donna Perillo is DC, MS, NMD, CNS, is the owner and director of the Chiropractic Healing Center of NJ, a wellness center incorporating chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, nutrition, and stress management. Her goal is to help her patients create a happy, healthy and vibrant lifestyle by addressing their physical, emotional, and nutritional needs. Here, she weighs in on a common, frustrating topic for caregiver and child alike—eating, and the often lack of variety in the diet of a child.

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The Editorial Team at Lake Oconee Health is made up of skilled health and wellness writers and experts, led by Daniel Casciato who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We aim to provide our readers with valuable insights and guidance to help them lead healthier and happier lives.