How to Get a Better Immune System

Whether you’re a professional athlete or weekend warrior, no matter how much your work those muscles and sculpt the perfect body, you’re still vulnerable to the common cold and stomach flu. Illness and fatigue can keep you from making the most of your workouts, so rather than spending time on the couch and wishing the TV remote were just a little bit closer, now is the perfect time to pump up your immune system while you pump up your workouts.

Tops 5 Tips to Boost Your Immune System

1. Find Time to Unwind: Stress is the number one culprit for a poor immune system and unwanted weight gain. Although your schedule might not have a lot of leeway when it comes to finding time to de-stress, give yourself a few minutes each day to simply enjoy yourself.

Research has shown that healthy physical activity can release hormones known as endorphins that can enhance your mood and even improve your body’s insulin levels.

2. Don’t Forget your vitamins: We all know that protein is essential for building muscle and getting ripped, but don’t forget that your body needs a wide variety of vitamins to stay healthy and strong.

Not only will these nutrients boost your immune system, but they may even help speed your metabolism, so try to include some of the following in your diet:

• Vitamin C – Found in citrus fruit and broccoli
• Vitamin E – Found in nuts and whole grains
• Zinc – Found in beans and beef
• Bioflavanoids – Also found in Fruit
• Selenium – Found in eggs and sunflower seeds
• Omega-3 Fatty acids – Found in fish

3. Keep Up your Workout Routine: We can go on and on about the benefits of exercise, and if you’re familiar with our site, then you’d know that building muscle is essential for maintaining a healthy body and immune system. Studies have shown that those who engaged in 35-45 minutes of walking for five days a week were less likely to call in sick than those who lived sedentary lifestyles.

4. Stay Hydrated: Water is the number one tool for losing weight and staying healthy. Not only does water keep all of your fat burning processes working at their peak, but it also flushes harmful toxins and bacteria from your system, so you can fight off colds and flu this season.

5. Cut Back on the Alcohol: Not only is alcohol loaded with unnecessary calories, but according to an article published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, those who regularly abused alcohol were more susceptible to bacteria and communicable diseases.

Stay Healthy. Stay Happy

A single cold or stomach flu can have a big impact on your physical performance, taking several days to recover and even longer to work your way back up to your normal routine. Be sure that you’re providing your body with everything it needs to stay healthy and strong rather than simply focusing on toned and getting ripped.

With these easy to apply tips, you can keep your immune system in tip-top shape, so you don’t have to waste time at home in bed.