Germs are everywhere. Whether you’re at the office, the gym, school or even at home, the cold and flu are all around us, especially this time of the year. Although the flu and a cold can be caught anytime of the year, its peak activity is between December and February.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average adult has about 2-3 colds per year, and children have even more. Most people recover from colds within 7-10 days. Symptoms usually include a sore throat, sneezing, coughing, runny nose and body aches. The flu has resulted in 9.3 million to 49 million illnesses each year in the United States since 2010. It is estimated that on average, five to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu. A few of the symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, tiredness and sometimes, vomiting and diarrhea.
As these statistics show, these bugs are super contagious. In order to help you prevent catching a bug this season, we’ve listed a few of our favorite ways to boost the immune system.
Grab Your Glasstic and Hydrate
Water has a huge impact on the immune system. Drinking water naturally flushes out toxins and ensures that cells get all the oxygen they need to function. Your immune system functions best when your muscles and organs are functioning their best. Water allows your kidneys to remove toxins from your body and allows your cells to get the nutrients they need. If you don’t drink enough water, toxins will build up, weakening your immune system.
Need an extra boost? Try squeezing some lemon into your Glasstic Bottle full of water. It’s a great source of Vitamin C and it adds a little flavor. It is said to help fight bacteria, viruses and fungi that cause colds, the flu and infection. It also aids in digestion.
Drink Your Daily Tea
A great way to stay warm during the winter season is with a nice cup of hot tea. Tea is not only a relaxing and comforting drink, but it also supports the immune system. According to Gaiam, both green tea and chamomile tea can help strengthen the immune system. Green tea also has a number of other health benefits. Life Hack says that green tea can benefit weight loss, diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, cholesterol and more.
The good news? Your Glasstic is perfect for both hot and cold drinks. Add your favorite hot tea and get comfortable.
Adequate Sleep
We could all use an extra few hours of sleep in the morning. When people get less than six to seven hours of sleep each night, they are at a greater risk of developing diseases. Sleep helps the body repair itself and recover. According Very Well Health, your cells produce more protein while you are sleeping. These protein molecules form the building blocks for cells, allowing them to repair the damage. Sleep can also help with depression, weight loss, alertness, and reducing stress and inflammation.
Eat Right
You are what you eat. It’s well-known that processed and fast food can lead to health problems, but what about impacting your immune system? A study from 2014 discovered that poor dietary choices change the balance of bacteria in our bodies and can weaken the immune system. Add foods like citrus, broccoli, ginger, yogurt and turmeric to your diet to help give you an extra boost. For a full list of foods that can boost your immune system, visit Healthline.
Drink Alcohol in Moderation
Drinking does affect your immune system. If you drink frequently, the risk of you catching a cold, flu or other illness is higher than those who don’t drink. According to Cleveland Health Clinic, this is because alcohol weakens the immune system and makes the body more susceptible to infections. Drinking alcohol also increases your risk for some cancers, can damage the heart, causes bacteria to grow in your gut and more.
Share with us your favorite immune boosting tips. We’d love to hear! Stay safe, hydrated and healthy this season and make sure you grab your Glasstic.
