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How to up your immunity (it involves more than just eating your veggies)

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Dietitian Trish Brimhall tells us what we can do to prevent getting sick this season.

How to up your immunity:

Zinc & Selenium: These two minerals stand out when it comes to fighting illness.  Again, food sources are safest – some evidence suggests that too much zinc (more than 75 mg/day) can actually inhibit the immune response, so stick with wholesome food sources.  Selenium is found in fish, whole gains, sunflower seeds and my favorite – garlic! Zinc sources include: beef, beans, and fortified cereals.

Get enough sleep.  This may be the toughest recommendation out there, but there is no substitute for it.  If you are feeling drowsy during the day, you’re probably not getting enough sleep (you can’t blame it on your boring work routine).

Stay hydrated.  The question of how much water we need isn’t as simple as a one-size fit’s all equation.  No two people have the same hydration needs and those needs will vary from day to day.  The best indicator is frequency and color of urine.  6-7 times per day, and very pale in color – should not be decidedly yellow.

Unfortunately, some people struggle with accepting simple guidelines and continually search for the new, flashy, complex or expensive solutions to good health.  It all boils down to simple, sensible, tried-and-true nutrition advice:

  1. Eat more plants - fruits, veggies and whole grains
  2. Get plenty of sleep
  3. Drink more water

For more from Trish, gohere.