Seniors are especially vulnerable to illness during the winter. If you want to boost your immune system for the winter weather, here are 7 tips to try.
Do a Quick Cleanse
Start the winter season off right with a quick gut cleanse. Removing heavy foods and replacing them with gut-friendly, nutrient-rich ingredients can help detox the body and boost the immune system. Eating vegetable soups filled with vitamin-dense foods like carrots, kale, celery, cabbage, and chard is recommended. Dinner options that feature omega-3 rich fish and dark leafy greens can also give you the healthy-kick you need when entering into the cold and flu season.
Cut Back on Sugar and Salt
Excess sugar and salt put our systems into overdrive. They can also cause insulin resistance, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Cutting out sugar and salt can greatly improve your health and fight illness and disease.
Wash Hands Often
Bacteria can really put a damper on your health. Even if you live alone, it’s essential to wash your hands frequently. The spread of germs and foodborne bacteria can result in more than just colds and flu if your immune system is low – it can also lead to emergency room visits.
Use Herbal Supplements
Taking immune supporting herbal supplements and everyday vitamins can give you the building blocks to ward off illness and disease. It’s important to note that not all pills you find in a store are right for everyone. So it’s best to talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements as part of your health regime.
Get 15 Minutes of Light Exercise a Day
Remaining sedentary throughout the day is just as bad for your health as smoking cigarettes. Getting even 15 minutes per day of light exercise can improve your body and mind. Consider taking a walk around the block, joining in an aqua-fit class or even doing some basic stretches to improve your circulation and blood flow.
Drink Lots of Water
Did you know that seniors tend to drink less water than younger generations? This is especially concerning considering elderly people need at least 8 ounces of water a day to keep enough fluid in the body to carry blood to the organs. Dehydration can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches and even become life-threatening for seniors. The more water, the better, especially in the winter months.
Socialize More
Social interaction can give your overall health a big boost. Participating in networking activities and having strong relationships with others can also strengthen your immune system and mental health. Meaningful connections with people can give you the armor you need when facing the long, cold winter months.
At C-Care, we work with seniors on a daily basis. We know how vulnerable they can be without the proper nutrition, exercise, and social interaction they need. Our high-quality home care services can provide you or your loved one with the assistance needed to stay healthy and secure no matter if its winter or summer. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help.
