How to Build and Improve Immunity for the Flu

With so much concern about COVID-19, it can be easy to forget about the impact of other dangerous viruses, including influenza. The flu can range from mild to severe, and the severity of your symptoms depends greatly on how strong your immunity system is.

While getting the flu vaccine is an essential measure toward preventing the flu, it is not the only step you can take toward wellness this cold and flu season. Giving your immune system a natural boost is one of the best ways to keep from getting the flu, and it can also help you keep from getting severely ill if you do happen to catch the flu virus.

5 Easy Immunity Boosting Tips to Follow This Cold and Flu Season

If you are looking for a safe and healthy immune system boost, the following tips are a great place to start.

Improve Your Gut

Your body’s microbiome plays a crucial role in keeping you healthy. It helps your body digest food properly, regulates your metabolism, stabilizes your weight and appetite, and can help give your immune system a boost. A strong immune system relies on a healthy and stable gut, and 70% of your immune system is found in the gut. To enhance your immunity by improving your gut, try adding a probiotic to your dietary regimen. You can also add more fermented foods to your diet, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, or kefir, that will support healthy bacteria growth.

Stay Away from Processed Foods

Processed foods that contain extra sugar and gluten will decrease your body’s immune function. Instead of turning to packaged snacks for a quick meal, consider having a smoothie that’s filled with healthy fats such as avocado and almond milk. Or enjoy some blueberries and leafy greens, both of which are high in antioxidants that can cut down inflammation—other foods to try including sweet potatoes, salmon, chia seeds, and bone broth.

Add More Zinc to Your Diet

We all know that Vitamin C can help us fight off the cold and flu. But other nutrients can help boost your immune system as well. Zinc, which can be found in foods such as beans, oysters, pumpkin, and spinach, decreases the common cold’s duration by two or three days. This powerful immunity-boosting nutrient features protective effects that can stop replicating a cold’s cell, so it doesn’t last as long.

Keep All Surfaces Clean

Most of us are already in the habit of wiping down our surfaces with disinfectant spray these days. And while these habits can help us avoid COVID-19, they can also decrease your chances of getting the flu. One of the easiest ways to end up with the flu is by touching a contaminated surface. Some of the most common hot spots for contamination include phones, desks, and computers.

Open Windows to Improve Circulation

When the temperature outside starts to rise, open your windows and doors to let some fresh air indoors. Indoor air can be as much as five times more polluted as outdoor air, making it easier for you to get sick and stay sick longer. Air out your home regularly to help clear out the stuffiness. You can also add more houseplants to help clean the air as well.

Want to Learn More About Fighting the Flu This Season?

If you have questions or concerns about the flu, such as where to get a vaccine or how to build up your immunity, get in touch with the medical experts here at Bass Urgent Care today. We look forward to helping you stay healthy and happy this cold and flu season. Give us a call today at (925) 350-4044 for more information.

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