Boosting your immune system with healthy foods rich in vitamins can help you stay healthy throughout the year. Here are five ways you can boost your immune system for this winter season.

Stick to a whole food diet

When the air starts to become colder, the only thing we want to do is to stay indoors and binge on comfort foods that feel good but may not be nutritious. Switching to whole foods that are packed with the nutrients you need will be crucial to giving you that immunity booster for the winter. Cut back on refined sugars and include more fruits and vegetables that are rich in fibre such as - citrus fruit, bell peppers, spinach, ginger and broccoli.

Keep moving

As much as it is tempting to stay curled up in bed, being inactive can cause more problems for your immune system. Make sure that you keep moving by exercising regularly for 15 minutes - 30 minutes a day. It doesn't have to be a strenuous workout. You can focus on something as relaxing as going for a power walk or doing yoga in the comfort of your home. While participating in any form of exercise, remember to stay hydrated.

Get your seasonal vitamins

Our bodies are fine-tuned towards different food groups that are packed with nutrients that we need for each season of the year. Understanding which seasonal vitamins are needed for each season can make your body stronger. You can assist your body in absorbing the much needed nutrients by taking Vitamin C and mineral-rich foods that are in season to make affordable meals.

Take care of your sleep hygiene

Not getting enough sleep causes many health problems that leave us vulnerable. Furthermore, with the pandemic throwing most people's sleeping patterns out of sync, it increases the risk of compromising our immune system. Remember that you need at least 30 minutes of wind-down time before you sleep, which means switching off any electronics that could stop you from sleeping and getting comfortable. It's ok if you spend most of your time blinking away at the dark but try focusing on things that help you relax. 

Seasonal vaccines

Going for general health check-ups throughout the year and keeping track of the recommended vaccines that are needed for your immune system, such as flu shots, is recommended. As we face the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more important to take care of our health to ensure that we protect ourselves and those we love. Always remember to take care of your body and hygiene to reduce your chances of falling ill.