5 Tips to Boost Immunity This Cold & Flu Season, According to a Registered Dietitian

(BPT) – It’s finally fall — a favorite season for so many. The leaves are changing color, the pumpkins are on the front steps, and the weather is cooling down. Unfortunately, that also means cold and flu season is here — and experts are predicting it to be a rough one.While we tend to be more aware of our immune system during the fall and winter months when it’s put to the test, taking preventive measures to ensure your immune system is resilient all year round is just as, if not more, important. Making conscious choices around foods and healthy daily habits that support overall well-being is the best way to make immune health an everyday priority.With studies showing a majority of consumers (65%) are more conscious of their immunity this year than previous years, Registered Dietitian Kelly Springer is sharing simple but effective strategies to implement that help build your body’s defenses as we enter cold and flu season:Incorporate Manuka Honey Into Your Daily RoutineManuka honey is as delicious as it is powerful. Different from traditional honey, it is a nourishing, multitasking superfood chock full of nutritional elements that the human body needs — including trace amounts of enzymes, amino acids, B Vitamins, C Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These are beneficial to the immune system, empower everyday wellness, aid in better digestion and provide a natural source for a daily energy boost. However, not all Manuka honey is created equal. This fall, when you start building your arsenal of immune-boosting, therapeutic remedies, consider adding a raw and authentic Manuka honey, like Wedderspoon, to that list. Wedderspoon’s Manuka Honey is fully traceable from hive to home and is the most pure and powerful form I’ve found — free of any antibiotics, glyphosates and pesticides.I keep it on hand year-round since it’s great for so many different things, but I always stock up this time of year and begin incorporating it into my and my family’s daily routine early to help strengthen the body’s natural defenses and stave off sniffles or scratchy throats before they can start. You can add it to a warm bowl of oatmeal in the morning or cup of tea at night, use it to make your own throat-soothing cough syrup and so much more. I also never leave the house without Wedderspoon’s Manuka Honey Immunity Lozenges. They’re delicious, soothe your throat and provide a quick, on-the-go wellness boost of Vitamin C, Zinc and Epicor® — a postbiotic that supports a healthy gut microbiome and is proven to boost your immunity in two hours.Improve Immune Function Through Exercise and Vitamin DI can’t think of a better way to soak up the last few rays of the sunshine season than getting outside for a quick and easy workout. Recent studies indicate that moderate intensity exercise can actually cut down on the number of colds a person gets because it increases your white blood cells, which help fight infection. Beyond that, regular exercise and Vitamin D helps moderate inflammation in the body and reduces stress, which helps keep your body’s defenses in good shape. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout — try getting outside for a 20- to 30-minute walk with a friend, biking a few times a week or doing a simple workout in your backyard.Rethink What’s on Your Plate My fall and winter menus always include a few key ingredients known for their immune-bolstering properties — Greek yogurt, oranges, wild salmon, herbal echinacea and dark chocolate. Greek yogurt contains probiotics that are known to fight illnesses, and oranges are always a fantastic pick-me-up as they are packed full of vitamin C. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation, making it one of the best proteins to eat when you’re sick. Echinacea and unsweetened dark chocolate have long been used to shorten the duration of colds to help you bounce back quicker. I love finding unique ways to incorporate these ingredients into dishes for my family — they all add delicious flavor, nutrients and vitamins that the body needs this time of year.Practice Mindfulness and Meditation Chronic stress can take its toll on the body, including releasing cortisol, which suppresses the immune system and can leave you much more susceptible to catching a cold or the flu. Fall is the perfect time to reset, relax and dedicate some time to yourself. Try a meditation app to aid in sleep and relaxation. By using guided meditation solutions to reach deep stages of mindfulness, you can release stress and improve awareness and decision making.Take a Holistic Approach to HealingHolistic treatments like red light therapy and lymphatic drainage massages are great ways to give your body a jump start along the healing process, should you come down with a cold or the flu. Red light therapy energizes the entire body from the cellular level, improves blood flow to bring necessary nutrients to the cells and stimulates the lymphatic system, which is one of the key components of a strong immune system. Similarly, lymphatic drainage massages help improve circulation of the lymphatic system by filtering out the toxins in your body to alleviate any swelling or blockages, particularly in the face and neck, that may result from being sick. You can find lots of great DIY tutorials for proper techniques to help yourself or a loved one recover from what’s ailing you with a fun at-home spa day.During the cold weather season, it can feel like colds, flus and other illnesses are constantly making the rounds within families, classrooms and workplaces. It’s never too early to start building your body’s natural defenses to maintain peak health. Incorporating these simple but effective strategies this cold and flu season will help keep you feeling your best all season long.