Winter is Coming! Prepare to Keep Yourself Healthy

Along with the turning of the leaves and the changing of the seasons comes the increased everyday stresses on our immune system. As the days get shorter and colder and we spend more of our time indoors, the chance of catching a seasonal cold or flu increases.

Here are some ways to prepare yourself and your loved ones for the season ahead and potentially stay healthier, too!

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids

No matter what time of the year it is, one of the best things we can do for ourselves is ensure we get plenty of fluids. Doctors and researchers have found that because our bodies are 70 -75 percent water and typically our bodies lose 10 cups of water per day on average, so staying hydrated is essential. 

By making water or tea our main drinks, we are helping our body regulate our body temperature, transport and process nutrients from the foods we eat, and eliminate waste and detoxify our livers and kidneys. It’s best to rehydrate throughout the day and increase your fluid intake based on exercise and even stress levels.

Take time to de-stress

Studies have found that our bodies are much more susceptible to illness when we are under stress. The first part of winter coincides directly with the holidays, so it’s easy to let stress get the best of us. Try to take at least some time every day to take a step back and de-stress. 

Why not ease tension with a cup of tea in your day? Many cultures across the globe have found that preparing and drinking tea can be both meditative and relaxing. Taking time each day for a cup of tea, whether green, black or herbal, can help you get ready for cold and flu season. 

Get your annual flu shot

One of the best ways to prevent getting sick with the flu is to get your annual flu vaccination. It may seem like a bother because there are different flu strains every year; however, getting that vaccine each year in the fall can significantly lessen the chance of getting sick. 

This is especially important for those who have compromised immune systems and older people. Of course, even if you get the shot, there is always a chance that you can catch the flu if you are around someone else who has it. However, the severity of the flu will be lower.

If you do begin to feel under the weather, you can combat the flu with a cup of green tea. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, and holding that warm cup between your hands and enjoying it can be quite soothing. It’ll also help you start to feel better.

Make regular hand washing a habit

One thing that the Covid-19 pandemic taught us was the importance of thoroughly washing our hands throughout the day and avoiding touching our faces and eyes. Washing our hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds can eliminate the germs and bacteria that can cause the spread of illness. 

For those times when we are on the go or unable to wash our hands, having a bottle of hand sanitizer handy is especially important. Having a container of sanitary wipes in your purse or in your vehicle is also a good idea. 

Maintain healthy eating habits

During the summer months, it’s easy to have readily accessible food fresh from the garden for granted. Even for those who preserve or can extra vegetables and fruit from their own garden, it’s easy to become reliant on foods that are easy to fix but far less nutritious. To stay healthy all winter long, try to maintain a good healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, and quality meat, fish, or poultry. 

Take only high-quality multivitamins and supplements

Even when attempting to maintain just the right amount of good food in our diets, parts of our daily meals will fall short. That is where taking a daily multivitamin, minerals, and other supplements can help. Our Sir Jason Winters Multivitamin and Mineral Formula and our Sir Jason Winters Gummy Vitamins are food-based. They are specifically formulated to pick up where your daily diet may leave off. 

Another supplement that you can take to help maintain your wintertime health and potentially protect your skin from the inside is krill oil. This oil is an excellent source of Omega-3s that can aid our digestion, reduce heartburn, and act as a kind of moisturizer to protect our skin and even our eyes from the ravages of cold weather and being inside with dry air. Researchers have also found that krill oil may also potentially reduce depression anxiety and improve overall cognitive function.

Get plenty of rest

Whether you are a day person or a bit of a night owl, it’s essential to get adequate sleep, especially during the colder months. Researchers with the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) recently found that 7-8 hours of sleep per night were ideal. Of the 2,000 participants, age 54-93, getting just six hours of sleep per night or less were more likely to be susceptible to illness, have higher incidences of hypertension, and were more likely to have cardiovascular issues later in life.

Sleep is essential for the cells in our body to fight off illness. When the body is sleep-deprived, that first line of defense is not as strong. It is interesting to note that the research team found several study participants were considered sleep deprived because they use technology late at night, such as scrolling on their mobile devices. Health experts advise that the best way to avoid the temptation completely is to keep the smartphone out of the bedroom.

Please note that all information presented in this blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or replace a physician’s advice. Before altering your diet or consuming any dietary supplement, consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional.

Resources

“The School of Natural Healing” (20th Anniversary ed.) by Dr. John R. Christopher, 1996, Christopher Publications, Springville, UT

“The Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality” by Rosemary Gladstar, 2001, Storey Books, Pownal, VT

“Earl Mindell’s New Vitamin Bible” by arl Mindell & Hester Mundis, 2011, Grand Central Life and Style, New York, NY

“The Book of Green Tea” by Diana Rosen, 1994, Storey Books, Pownal, VT