Cold and flu season is now here in Austin, and it’s more important than ever to keep a proactive approach to maintaining one’s health. This is especially for the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. That’s why in this article, the home health care experts at Assisting Hands Home Care in West Austin are talking about the best immune booster for seniors!
How To Boost Your Immune System
The immune system is the body’s defense against infection and disease. It is a complex system that involves many different types of cells and molecules. There are many things you can do to boost your immune system and stay healthy, including:
- Eat a nutritious diet. A healthy diet provides the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly, including the immune system. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. This includes eating variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Different fruits and vegetables contain different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are important for immune function.
- Include probiotics in your diet. Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your gut health. Gut health is important for overall health, including immune function.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise helps to keep the immune system strong and healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Here is a great article to learn more about regular exercise programs for seniors.
- Get enough sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body is less able to fight off infection. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Manage stress. Stress can weaken the immune system. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to keep the body healthy and functioning properly. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. This is especially important here in Austin, when the weather is hotter than ever!
- Get regular check-ups. Seeing your doctor for regular check-ups can help to identify and treat any potential health problems early on.
- Get vaccinated. Vaccines help to protect the body from specific diseases. Make sure you are up to date on all recommended vaccines, including the flu vaccine.
- Practice good hygiene. Washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick can help to prevent the spread of infection.
- Get enough sunlight. Sunlight helps the body to produce vitamin D, which is important for immune function.
- Stay away from unhealthy foods. This means limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol. These foods and drinks can weaken the immune system.
Need help with making good food choices? Check out some healthy recipes from Assisting Hands West Austin!
Reach Out To Assisting Hands Home Care in West Austin
If you have any concerns about your immune health, talk to your doctor. Assisting Hands Home Care serving West Austin is here to help you provide care for loved ones. Call us today at (512) 999-7379 or by using the chat window on this page.
