Giving Your Immune System a Healthful Boost

Supporting Your Immune Health

As we enter the height of cold and flu season, it’s important for people to do what they can to help their bodies fight off illness-causing foreign invaders. The health experts at Parrish Healthcare are here to share some simple adjustments that can support your body's immune health.

Get Enough Sleep

While many of us are guilty of sacrificing our sleep for productivity or entertainment, it does more trouble than simply leaving you feeling groggy the next morning. In fact, sleep deprivation leaves you more prone to getting sick. Getting 7-9 hours of good quality sleep each night helps your immune system fight off infection while preventing other health complications.

Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet

Like most areas of your health, the foods you eat can help to support healthy immune function. During cold and flu season, it is especially important to eat a diet chock full of essential vitamins and nutrients to help your body to fight off infection.

Some excellent foods to add to your diet this winter include:

• Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit
• Leafy greens like spinach and kale
• Probiotic foods like yogurt and kimchi
• Beans
• Whole grains
• Bananas
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Broccoli
• Bell peppers

Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Practicing good hand hygiene is your first line of defense against accidentally bringing illness-causing germs into your body from soiled surfaces. Each and every time you wash your hands, be sure to follow these steps to keep them free of harmful bacteria:

• Run your hands under clean, running water.
• Lather your hands with antibacterial hand soap.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse your hands with clean, running water.
• Pat your hands dry with a disposable hand towel.

When soap and water aren't available, be sure to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is made up of at least 70% alcohol.

Primary Care in Titusville

When it comes to supporting your health, it is important to find a family care doctor you can trust. The family doctors at Parrish Medical Group Family Medicine treat patients throughout all stages of your life, providing you with the insight, resources, and preventative care you need to live happily and healthily.

Whether you’re in need of a regular checkup or you have a health concern, contact Parrish Medical Group Family Medicine to schedule your next visit.