10 Ways to Prevent Sickness
Our immune system protects us from diseases and sicknesses by fighting off infections. As we age, our immune system becomes weaker, making us more susceptible to getting sick. There are many things you can do in order to prevent sickness or shorten the duration of illness if it does occur. This article will provide 10 tips for preventing sickness!
1) Eat a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet is essential for maintaining energy levels, which will help the body fight off sickness. When you are well-nourished, your immune system has what it needs to keep out invaders like viruses and bacteria. Eating vegetables, fruits, nuts/seeds (e.g., flax seeds), whole grains (e.g., brown rice) lean meats/poultry/fish are all great sources of vitamins that support immunity! You can also take vitamin supplements if necessary or desired – just be sure not to overdo it as too much vitamin C may actually compromise our bodies’ ability to fight infection. As far as water goes… staying hydrated can help stave off infections because our saliva contains antibacterial properties that prevent infection from entering our bodies through the mouth.
2) Get Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation can have a serious impact on our immune system. Not getting enough sleep has been linked with increased susceptibility to the common cold and other respiratory infections. Adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night, while school-aged children and adolescents should get nine to ten hours of sleep each night.
3) Exercise Regularly
Exercise is a great way to keep our bodies healthy and strong. When we exercise, our body releases endorphins, which are hormones that make us feel good. Not only does this help improve our moods, but it can also help boost our immune system!
Just be sure not to overdo it if you are ill – too much exercise can actually weaken the immune system.
4) Wash Your Hands
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent sickness is to wash your hands regularly, especially before you eat. Hand-washing removes bacteria, viruses, and other germs from our skin and helps keep us healthy!
Schools should teach children how to properly wash their hands – it’s one of the best ways to reduce the spread of illness.
5) Avoid Touching Your Face
Touching our face can introduce bacteria and viruses into our bodies, which can make us sick. So, try to avoid touching your face as much as possible, especially if you haven’t washed your hands recently.
You may also want to consider using hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes to cleanse your hands regularly.
6) Stay Away from Sick People
If you know someone who is sick, it’s best to stay away from them. This is especially important for people who are more susceptible to getting sick, such as young children and the elderly.
It’s also important to keep in mind that not all sicknesses are visible – many people can be carriers of germs without even knowing it.
7) Avoid Unhealthy Habits
Smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, and using illegal drugs can weaken the immune system. If you have a habit of engaging in any of these unhealthy activities, try to cut back or quit entirely so that your body has what it needs to fight off sicknesses.
Keep in mind that smoking is not only bad for our physical health but also for our mental/emotional well-being.
8) Get a Flu Shot
The flu shot is an annual vaccine that helps protect against the flu virus. It’s recommended for everyone over the age of six months, and it’s especially important for people who are more susceptible to getting sick, such as pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions.
It is never too late to get a flu shot – in fact, even if you have already contracted the flu virus, getting vaccinated can still help lessen the severity of symptoms.
9) Eat Well
Eating a healthy diet is important for maintaining our overall health, including our immune system. Foods that are high in antioxidants (e.g., fruits and vegetables), vitamins (e.g., C, D, and E), and minerals (e.g., zinc) can help keep us healthy and strong.
Some good examples of antioxidant-rich foods include berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, oranges, bell peppers, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
10) Get Some Rest
Last but not least, one of the best things we can do to stay healthy is to get enough rest. When we’re well-rested, our body is better able to fight off sicknesses and infections. So, make sure to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night!
Our immune system protects us from diseases and sicknesses by fighting off infections. As we age, our immune system becomes weaker, making us more susceptible to getting sick. There are many things you can do in order to prevent sickness or shorten the duration of illness if it does occur. This article will provide 10…