Staying healthy should be a primary goal year-round, but it becomes particularly important during winter. That’s largely because people spend more time inside and can spread illness to one another with greater ease. An increase in dry air can also weaken your body’s resistance to viruses. If you're wondering what you can do to boost your health and avoid unexpected visits to your medical provider, consult the guide below.

How to Boost Immune Health This Winter

1. Wash Your Hands Often

Touching anything from another person to an object causes germs to accumulate on your hands. Those germs then spread to other parts of your body, like your eyes, nose, and mouth, whenever you touch your face. Luckily, washing your hands regularly is one of the most effective ways to avoid sickness during winter, minimizing the likelihood of spreading illness due to bacteria or viruses. Remember to wash for at least 20 seconds. 

2. Watch What You Eat

Increasing your intake of immune-boosting foods can have a positive impact on your health. Your medical provider may recommend that you avoid highly processed foods and sugary beverages, as these types of foods have been found to suppress immune health, limiting your body’s ability to stave off illness. A diet rich in bright fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, berries, red grapes, spinach, carrots, and kale, can help you stay healthy throughout the season. After all, increasing your fruit and vegetable intake will infuse your diet with necessary vitamins C and E, along with infection-fighting zinc and antioxidant-rich beta carotene. These vitamins and minerals all support your body by protecting it from potentially harmful invaders that cause sickness.

3. Get Some Quality Sleep

Studies have found that people who don't get enough sleep are more vulnerable to becoming sick after exposure to a virus. When you don’t sleep enough, your body produces far fewer antibodies than your body needs to fight off the illness. Adults should aim for at least seven to eight hours of high-quality sleep every night, which means you aren’t tossing, turning, or waking up often. Lastly, sleep has a potent effect on your immune system, causing the release of cytokines in your body. These protective proteins help you fight off infections more effectively when you’re sick. 

If you are seeking a reliable medical provider, turn to Hillside Family Medicine in Anchorage, AK. Proudly serving patients throughout the community for over 20 years, they provide a variety of services to ensure your good health year-round. Count on them for wellness exams, pediatric care, sleep studies, and so much more. Visit them online to find out how they can help you feel your best, or call (907) 344-0200 to schedule an appointment.