The flu season is at your doorstep. How can you protect yourself? The best defense is a year-round offense: Eat smart, stay active, get enough rest, reduce stress.
Which nutrients enhance immunity? Several may play key roles: beta carotene in deep-yellow fruits and veggies and dark-green leafy greens; vitamin B in whole grains, legumes, chicken, and pork; vitamin C in citrus fruit, berries, melon, tomatoes, and broccoli; vitamin E in wheat germ and nuts; protein in dairy foods, meat, poultry, fish, and legumes; selenium in meat and seafood; zinc in beef and seafood. Friendly bacteria in yogurt with live cultures also help build immunity.
Herbals? Use caution. Taken longer than several weeks, some herbals (including echinacea and panax ginseng) may lower immunity. Focus on at least one immune-enhancing strategy today.
- Eat smart: five to nine fruits and vegetable servings daily. Make one high in vitamin C. Vitamin E in nuts and seeds also helps build immunity.
- Take a multivitamin/mineral supplement—if you need a “nutrition safety net.” Be aware: High doses don’t super immunize.
- Schedule a flu shot—if your doctor recommends it.
- Get enough sleep—on average, eight hours daily.
- Find ways to reduce stress—perhaps through physical activity, meditation, or simply “time out” from stressors.
- Move more—another reason for 60 minutes of active living daily.
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