5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Immunity This Winter

5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Immunity This WinterThis year—perhaps more than ever before—immunity is top of mind for the vast majority of people, especially heading into cold and flu season. You probably already know the obvious ways to protect yourself from getting sick (ahem: washing your hands, minimizing stress, getting enough sleep…), but fending off sneezing, coughing, and sore throats also starts with a well-balanced, nutritious diet.

Eating healthy is easier said than done when you’re juggling a full workload, childcare, and the thousand other distractions that pop up every day. But if you want to give your immune system some help, making these simple swaps in the kitchen (or on the go!) can help you stay healthy throughout the long, cold days of winter.

Green Tea

Green tea contains polythene antioxidants, most notably EGCG, which helps reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. That varietal also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to improve the immune system in animal studies. Green tea can help decrease your risk of upper respiratory tract infections

Protein

Creates  the antibodies and cells that keep your immune system operating at full strength. Instead of yogurt, use a scoop of Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder, available at all major retailers, in your blend.

Avoid Refined Carbs

Consuming too many refined carbs like white pasta and bread has been linked to increased levels of inflammation in the body. Inflammation is your body’s normal response when fighting infection.

Exercise

Exerciscan improve your immune response, lower illness risk, and reduce inflammation. But too much exercise can actually inhibit your immune system. Obviously, rehydrating is crucial—but you can help your body maximize its recovery time between workouts with an immunity-supporting drink. “The Orgain Sport Recovery Powder contains food-based electrolytes and vitamin C, plus an anti-inflammatory blend of ingredients like turmeric, ginger, reishi mushrooms, and ashwagandha . Add 10 grams to 14 to 16 ounces of water, and chug it post-workout (or any other time of day).

Avoid Alcohol

2020 has been enough of a rollercoaster ride to drive anyone to hit the hard stuff, but alcohol has been linked to adverse immunity issues, including increased susceptibility to pneumonia and acute respiratory stress syndromes. “Swapping a cocktail for a carbonated beverage plus a bit of orange juice (for a dose of vitamin C) or another fruit juice gives you the same refreshment without the negative health effects.