Are you a Flu Fighter?
posted in Home |In case you haven’t noticed, the flu is rampaging through Brisbane this winter and you are on the hitlist!! Your immune system will only offer so much resistance, the rest is up to you. Here are some tips give yourself a fighting chance this winter.
1) Exercise
News Flash!!!! Exercise makes you healthier. As well as helping you fit into that old wardrobe item or making you look toned, exercise also boosts your immunity. Be sure to keep your routines regular and vary the intensity for better results however limit your workouts of more than 90 minutes at high intensity as this has been shown to dull the immune response.
2) Eat Well
You are what you eat so in order to be healthy you have to eat healthy. Pack your fridge and cupboard with foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, Zinc and garlic. Useful flu fighting supplements also include Echinacea and ginger.
3) Rest and de-stress
In this age of 24/7 lifestyles it is easy to make yourself sick. Working hard, exercising hard and playing hard can have a negative effect on your immune system if you don’t factor in rest. By rest, I mean scheduling in proper time out from everything, yes even your laptop, PDA and mobiles. Taking in to much information can increase stress levels and stimulate a damaging hormonal response on your body. So switch it off, shut it down and chill out.
4) Stay hydrated
Winter is a tricky time for hydration. Its easy to drink less water in winter because the temperatures are lower and you don’t feel as thirsty. This is natural to some extent but monitor your drinking levels over the next few days to see how much (or little) you are drinking. Water is a key component of most bodily functions so not drinking enough can really slow you down and reduce your ability to fight the flu. Aim for 8-10 glasses a day.
By following these tips on a consistent basis you will increase your immunity and boost your flu fighting ability for many winters to come.
Alister Murray
Accredited Exercise Physiologist.