Winter can wreak havoc on our immune system, posing challenges to our health and wellness through the colder months. However, with proactive planning, you can implement important measures to support your immune system and maximise protection against the array of illnesses and ailments that tend to arise during winter.

While over-the-counter medications can be useful in fighting the symptoms of common winter colds, natural remedies and lifestyle practices can help to protect you from getting sick in the first place. By focusing on natural ways to boost your immunity, you can give your body ongoing support within a holistic framework of preventative measures. 

Looking to implement preventative natural remedies to fight winter’s seasonal bugs? Here are three key steps you can take to build your natural immunity. 

Embrace nutrient-rich foods

A well-balanced diet is one of the first steps to naturally boosting your immunity system. By making it a priority to incorporate a diverse range of immune-boosting foods into your meal, you can set yourself up for ongoing success.

You can easily embrace a nutrient-rich diet by:

• Including a wide range of colourful fruits and berries, which are rich in vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants
• Eating garlic and ginger, which are known for their anti-inflammatory effects
• Incorporating turmeric, which provides further anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits as a result of curcumin, its active compound
• Eating numerous leafy greens and probiotic-rich yoghurt

These foods can be added to your breakfast, lunch and dinner routines, giving your immune system natural boosts throughout the course of each day. 

Prioritise regular, high-quality sleep

Did you know enough high-quality sleep is essential for an active immune system? 

It’s recommended that adults aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night within a regular sleep routine. This includes creating a relaxing environment where exposure to electronic devices is limited before bed, as well as incorporating relaxation techniques that can promote restful sleep.

Without enough sleep, our immune systems are more at risk of becoming compromised, which means we’re more susceptible to illnesses or infections. Our bodies use our sleep windows to undertake essential processes that support healthy immune system functioning, including tissue repair and defences against pathogens. When sleep levels are reduced, this can lead to a decreased production of key immune cells, as well as impaired immune function. 

By prioritising regular and high-quality sleep, you’ll not only give your immune system the necessary support it needs to function at its best, but you’ll also be able to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Build regular saunas into your routine

Saunas are an invaluable tool for supporting healthy immune systems during the winter months. In these controlled environments, the sauna’s heat and steam can induce sweating and may promote immune-building detoxification. As sweating helps to eliminate toxins and waste products from the body, this can reduce the burden on the immune system, giving it more capacity to ward off other bugs throughout the season.

In addition, the increased body temperature achieved during sauna sessions can also encourage the production of white blood cells, which are crucial in strengthening immune responses.

Stay well this winter at ReGen Wellness

Enjoy the Bayside’s first science-driven wellness centre this winter and give your immune system a natural boost. Contact us to learn more about how ReGen Wellness’ treatments can support your health year-round.