4 Ways To Support Immune Health, According To An M.D.
Amid the new normal where health and the health of loved ones is top of mind for many people, prioritizing wellness activities on a daily basis can be key to feeling in control and maintaining immune health.
Our immune system is a critical part of our overall health and well-being — it’s our body’s natural defence system — which is why now is the ideal time to start implementing an immunity routine.
In fact, a nationally representative survey commissioned by Emergen-C revealed that 69% of Americans care more about their immune health now than they did pre-pandemic and 71% have an established daily wellness routine.
Luckily, the key to focusing on immune health and maintaining a wellness routine lies in small, easy-to-follow daily habits that will ultimately yield a positive impact. If you’re thinking of ways to kickstart a wellness routine to support your immune health, consider the following from integrative and family medicine physician, Dr. Bindiya Gandhi, M.D.
1) Hydrate!
While you may have heard the old adage to drink eight cups of water daily, you might not know that there is a strong correlation between hydration and immune health. From helping to flush waste and regulate the digestive system, to supporting skin health and cushioning the body’s vital organs, drinking water has a plethora of health benefits and adequately hydrating is crucial.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make sure you are getting your fill (and refill!). Try a water bottle with time markers to help you track your intake throughout the day. Or if you prefer a more tech-savvy approach, there are smartphone apps available that allow you to set hourly alarms as an easy-to-follow reminder to drink up.
2) Fill up on the right nutrients
In tandem with a balanced diet, supplements that contain vitamins and minerals can help fill nutritional gaps and ensure you’re getting the essential nutrients your body needs to support immune function. Opt for products specifically designed to support the immune system, like Emergen-C Everyday Immune Support. Packed with 1,000 mg of vitamin C, plus zinc, manganese and 7 B vitamins to naturally enhance energy, Emergen-C products are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. From fizzy drink mixes to gummy vitamins, the wide range of products are convenient and bursting with delicious, natural fruit flavour.
3) Unplug
While technology has many benefits, too much screen time can affect immune health. Though it’s nearly impossible to escape technology as we work from home and stay connected with loved ones, unplugging from devices can have a positive impact on mood, sleep and even eye health. Additionally, when we unplug, more attention can go toward things that help fuel our wellness, like reading books, cooking a well-balanced meal, exploring new hobbies or just simply being more present. A few hours before bedtime, try turning off your notifications so you are less tempted to reach for your mobile device.
4) Catch those z’s
Getting enough sleep regularly is incredibly important for body and brain health. After all, sleep reduces cortisol production, which can have a negative effect on the immune system. Make the most of those seven to nine hours each night so you can recharge, repair, refresh and energize your body. To support nightly rest, keep a consistent sleep-wake schedule by waking up and going to bed at relatively the same time each day to help set your internal clock.
Focusing on small changes you can make one day at a time helps to establish and sustain a daily wellness routine. It doesn’t need to be all at once, but making an effort to keep your body healthy can go a long way. With the above tips in mind, you will find that implementing healthier habits is not as unattainable as you might have thought and will help foster lasting change.
For more information about Emergen-C, visit www.emergenc.com.
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