Boosting Immunity: Staying Healthy During the Changing Seasons

Introduction

Your body frequently encounters new difficulties when the seasons shift, which affects how vulnerable your immune system is. Seasonal changes might affect how your immune system reacts and responds. During the winter and rainy seasons, colds, flus, and other respiratory ailments are more prevalent. You spend more time indoors, which makes it easier for infections to spread from one to another. Also, the dry, chill air could make you less resistant to infections.  

Variations in temperature, humidity, and daylight hours can all impact how your immune cells work. Prioritising immunological health is essential through these changes since some diseases become more common. It becomes crucial to maintain strong immune function so that your body can resist seasonal dangers and remain resilient all year long. In this blog, you will examine how seasonal variations affect your immune system along with tips for boosting immune health.  

What is the immune system?

You might have heard your doctor saying that weak immunity or a weak immune system is the reason for catching colds, fevers, or other diseases. Do you know what the immune system or immunity is? So, before getting into anything, let’s understand what the immune system.

The immune system is a large network of organs, proteins, chemicals, and white blood cells that work together to protect against foreign objects like germs, viruses, and bacteria and help your body to heal from any infections and injuries. The immune system plays a major role in your overall health. It performs many essential functions like:

• Keeps away invaders like germs, bacteria, and viruses from your body
• Automatically heals injuries
• Prevents any sort of infections
• Adapts to new threats and dangers and protects your body against it
• Inform your body about the difference between your own cells and foreign cells
• Activates and mobilises to destroy germs that harm you
• Produces antibodies against germs to destroy them

The immune system in humans differs from one person to another. Some have weak immune systems, and some have overactive immune systems. So, what is the difference between them?

• Weak immune system: This type of immune system is more susceptible to infections and injuries. It doesn’t produce enough antibodies to kill or destroy germs and foreign bodies.
• Overactive immune system: This type of immune system reacts too strongly against invaders and foreign bodies. Sometimes, it attacks its own cells, destroying its own system. This leads to serious conditions like autoimmune diseases.  

Seasonal immunity shift

The immune system reacts in different ways in different environments. For instance, during winter, due to decreased sunlight exposure, vitamin D is reduced in your body. During that time, you should take vitamin D supplements and stay hydrated. Likewise, during spring, which is a high pollen time, you are more exposed to allergens. During summer, due to high temperatures, you will be dehydrated and are prone to many diseases. Your surroundings and environmental conditions have a great impact on your body.

Healthy tips for boosting immunity

Consume a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, vitamins (like vitamins C and D), zinc, and antioxidants. These improve your immune system. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties, repairing tissues and promoting white blood cells. Vitamin D enhances monocytes, which fight against pathogens. Vitamin A is a first-line barrier protecting the respiratory and GI tract. Vitamin B produces active immune cells. Zinc regulates the development and functions of the immune system. Selenium reduces the risk of infections. Adding these to your dietary supplements gives you a healthy immune system that protects you against all risks and diseases.  

• Drink excess water and stay hydrated.
• Do regular physical exercises as they improve your blood circulation.
• Maintain a healthy sleep cycle. Rest is also important to maintain your health.
• Maintain hygiene to prevent infections.
• Avoid taking stress.

Conclusion

To conclude, your immune system helps your body to fight against infections and other diseases. You may strengthen your immune system’s defences and encourage its well-being by following healthy tips to meet particular difficulties in each season. Remember, a strong immune system is your best defence against the altering seasons, weathers, and the accompanying health challenges.