Can You Get Through The Winter Without Getting Ill This Year?

Nutritional Supplements

Over half of all Americans take nutritional supplements, and a huge number of people believe vitamin and mineral supplements to be an integral part of their everyday diet. You may think you are doing the responsible thing by taking a multivitamin every day, but that may not be such a good idea. Several studies suggest that using dietary supplements arbitrarily is simply a waste of money — because it offers no benefits. A few more conclude that they may actually be bad for you, and could even increase your risk of cancer. 

What should you do, then? Eating a healthy and balanced diet generally eliminates the need to take nutritional supplements. People who believe they might have deficiencies should see their family doctor about blood work, and only take supplements suggested by their doctor after the results are in. 

You mainly get this vitamin, which is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, from sunlight. Let's face it, most people don't spend enough time in the sun during the winter. Supplementation can be an excellent solution. Ask your doctor to check your 25 hydroxy Vitamin D level when you go in for your blood work to find out exactly how much vitamin D3 you should be taking.

Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

Besides making you feel drowsy and unproductive, not getting enough shut-eye can seriously harm your immune system. There is evidence that not getting enough sleep, or sleep of a sufficient quality, makes people who are exposed to viruses such as the common cold more likely to get ill. What's more, a chronic lack of sleep can also make your recovery time quite a bit longer when you do get ill. 

Why does your immune system suffer if you don't sleep enough? Proteins called cytokines are released while you're sleeping. Besides encouraging more sleep, some types of cytokines play a role in fighting infection, inflammation, and stress. If you don't sleep enough, you won't have enough cytokines. 

Kids need 10 or more hours of sleep. Every individual is unique, however, and the quality of your sleep matters too. You may need to start going to bed a little earlier, having a nice bath and turning off computers and phones before going to bed if you want to boost your immune system.