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Home » Diets that Work » Questions and Answers About Your Immune System and Winter – Healthline

Weve partnered with Nature Made to bring you tips to stay healthy this winter.

A little knowledge goes a long way in helping to support your immune system when the weather sends everyone indoors, along with their sniffles and coughs.

Here are answers to some common questions about immunity.

Our immune system is our mode of defense against intruders from the outside world. The immune system is able to differentiate between the bodys own cells and foreign antigens. This includes viruses, bacteria, fungi, foreign tissue, and toxins.

White blood cells recognize antigens and try to eliminate them. As we interact with our environment, the immune system becomes better and better at recognizing these antigens and keeping us healthy.

The immune system has two parts:

A balanced diet in general is important for your immune system. A few specific foods can help ensure youre getting the right amount of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, and healthy fats to keep inflammation low and support your immune system.

This includes:

Certain foods may increase inflammation in your body.

Try to avoid the following foods, which can increase inflammation:

Its also a good idea to limit your alcohol consumption.

Certain supplements may help support your immune system.* However, as their name suggests, they should supplement not replace your healthy lifestyle.

Some people, particularly older adults, may be deficient in nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, and may benefit from supplements.*

For instance, your body doesnt produce or store vitamin C, so if you dont get the recommended daily amount from your diet (75 milligrams for women and 90 milligrams for men, daily), you may want to take a supplement. However, its important to ask your doctor before taking any new supplements.

Nature Made vitamin C comes in gummies, soft gels, and time-release tablets.

Adults need roughly 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. This varies from person to person. However, getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night on a regular basis may weaken your immune system.

Sleep deprivation keeps the immune system from building up protective, substances like antibodies and cytokines.

Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the annual flu vaccine as a safe and effective way to prevent the flu for anyone 6 months of age or older. When you get vaccinated, your body produces antibodies against several strains of the influenza virus.

The flu vaccine needs to be updated every year to keep up with different strains of the flu virus. So, its important to get the new vaccine each year.

You should consider making the flu shot a priority if youre in any of the following categories:

In those with obesity, losing weight could make a big difference in the overall immune system.

Obesity has been linked to an impaired immune response. While the cause of this isnt fully understood, scientists do know that one characteristic of obesity is a state of chronic inflammation.

Lowering your overall calorie intake, getting some exercise, and increasing the amounts of fruits and vegetables in your diet are the first steps if you believe you need to lose weight. Talk to your doctor if youre unsure where to begin.

Yes, moderate exercise is an excellent way to support your immune system. Try to aim for 30 minutes per day for 5 days of the week, or 150 minutes per week total. Include a mix of cardio and strength training exercises.

Yes. Smoking can negatively impact your immune system.

Research also shows that smoking may upset the balance of your immune system so much that it can increase the risk of some immune and autoimmune disorders. An autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks your bodys healthy cells.

Reducing stress can make a big difference in your immune system functioning.

A few ways to reduce stress include:

Other things you can do to stay healthy:

There are many ways to keep your immune system healthy, including eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. But theres no quick fix.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Questions and Answers About Your Immune System and Winter - Healthline

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Home » Diets that Work » Questions and Answers About Your Immune System and Winter – Healthline