Beat the Flu This Winter!

Survive and Thrive! Fitness and Health Tips to Stay Strong and Fit!

 

It is unfortunate that some bugs or viruses will enter your body at some stage but when they get there - 2 things will happen!
1. Your immune system will fight them off and recover or
2. The virus will survive and multiply and produce colds and flu! This article looks at some great practical tips to boost your immunity this winter and stay strong and happy!

NUTRITION
FRUIT AND VEGES (5+ SERVES PER DAY): The first and easiest thing you can do to boost your immunity is improve your nutrition. Seek and eat lots of fruit and vegetables! Aim for more than 5 serves per day! They contain natural disease fighting compounds called phytochemicals and antioxidants which can enhance your immune system.
WATER (> 2 - 3 LITRES PER DAY): Water is also a big help to cleanse the body and remove toxins, including germs. By keeping body systems well hydrated, you can enhance your virus-fighting potential. Aim to drink 2 - 3 litres per day or more!
SOUPS Soups can be a great way to get your vegetables, nutrients and water! adding some GARLIC will also help your immunity.
SUPPLEMENTS To support a healthy diet you can also try taking a MULTIVITAMIN and extra VITAMIN C and ECHINACEA.

TRAINING
EXERCISE (>3 x per week): This is what has really helped me! Regular and consistent exercise! The benefits of all different types of exercise are too numerous to start on here but take it for granted that regular exercise stimulates the body to fight off invading germs and viruses. Moving your butt will also help you process any invasions by stimulating your metabolism and helping your body get rid of these bugs faster!

LIFESTYLE 
SLEEP (>8 hours/night): Probably the most important and overlooked lifestyle factor that can be easily improved for greater immunity and health is sleep. I have gone through periods myself - testing how tough I am by how little I can sleep and still work, train and play however this is FOLLY. For good health and to boost immunity change your lifestyle to include more than 8 hours of sleep per night. Your health and quality of life will greatly improve!
STRESS: Stress comes in many different forms and from many different places. Identify your 3 main sources of stress and reduce them! It's YOUR LIFE! (some sources of stress include: work?, bad communication/relationships?, smoking?, poor nutrition? no exercise? your own bad attitudes?)
CLEAN: Stay clean and avoid germs by washing your hands regularly. Use a towel at the gym and avoid sharing cups, plates or utensils.
There's plenty more you can shield yourself form illness and disease but mastering these points would make for a great winter!