The flu season is around the corner and along with that comes an increase in colds and flu’s.  Here are some very simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick.

1. Get a good night’s sleep.  Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh discovered that people who average less than seven hours sleep at night are three times more like to catch a cold (Archives of Int. Med. Jan 2009).  A healthy immune system and getting a good night’s sleep are closely linked.  Sleep is vitally important for getting better quicker when you are sick and it helps prevent illness when you are well.
2. Take extra Vitamin D, at least 2000 IU’s / day.  Did you know that prior to the introduction of antibiotics, people with chronic infections such as tuberculosis were treated by exposure to extra sunshine.  This often included moving to warmer more tropical climates.  Unfortunately for most of us living in Canada, moving to the tropics for the winter is not an option.  Next best alternative is to take plenty of a high quality Vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D has been shown in numerous studies to have a positive impact on the health of our immune system.
3. Don’t forget to take a high quality multivitamin.  It’s especially important through the fall and winter season when local fruits and vegetables are not available and must be imported.  Produce that is picked early and shipped long distances loses significant amounts of its nutritional value.  Vitamins work in synergy and many have important roles to play in building up your immune system.
4. Watch your intake of “sugars” and “high-glycemic carbs” which include processed carbs along with breads, pastas, rice, potatoes and corn.  When your blood sugars are constantly bouncing up and down, you are more susceptible to infections.  Keeping your blood sugar balanced not only helps you to lose weight (or maintain a health weight) but it also reduces your risk of “catching” the flu.
5. Wash your hands!  Water and plain soap are best; antibacterial soaps are not necessary and can increase the risk of “super” bugs.  The flu is most commonly transferred from one person to another through hands.

Following these simple solutions is not a guarantee that you won’t get sick, but it will significantly boost your immune system.  A healthy immune system will make you less likely to get sick and recover from any sickness you do catch that much quicker.