There are many factors that can hamper immune function such as stress, smoking, lack of sleep, poor diet and nutritional deficiences. Here are the top 10 tips for staying healthy during the cold and flu season. Support your immune function by:

• Everyone knows this one: Wash your hands regularly. This is the best way to prevent the spread of viruses.
• Minimize sugar and refined starches. These foods hamper immune response.
• Relax and destress yourself. This is huge. I am in the process of writing a book all about destressing and the mind. Be on the lookout for this great asset to overall health and wellness.
• Ensure adequate sleep. Proper rest is essential for immune health.
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and mushrooms . These foods are loaded with vitamins and minerals and phytonutrients which help to support immune system function.
• Drink plenty of fluids. They help the body eliminate toxins and prevent dehydration (dry mucus membranes can make it easier for viruses to enter).
• Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. Smoke damages mucus membranes in your nose throat and esophagus, making it easy for viruses to enter the body.
• Minimize alcohol. Alcohol is hard on the liver our key detoxifying organ and it is dehydrating.
• Get  regular, moderate intensity exercise. It helps boost our immune response.
• Take immune boosting supplements. Get started with Vitamin C, aged garlic extract, and priobiotics. (Supplements that support your body’s natually occurring beneficial bacteria.)

To shop for some great immune boosting supplements shop here:

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