Staying healthy isn’t just about avoiding getting sick. It’s about feeling your best and having the energy to do the things you love. But with so many germs and viruses out there, it can be tough to stay healthy all the time.
Here are nine tips to help you avoid getting sick:
1. Get vaccinated
Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases. They work by exposing your body to a weakened or inactive form of a virus or bacteria. This helps your body develop immunity to the disease, so you won’t get sick if you’re exposed to it later.
There are vaccines available for many different diseases, including the flu, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and shingles. Getting vaccinated is especially important for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases. You can talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you.
2. Rethink that extra drink
We all know that too much alcohol is bad for our health. But did you know that it can also weaken your immune system?
Studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption can inhibit the immune system by reducing the ability of white blood cells to effectively kill bacteria. Alcohol also dehydrates and can disrupt your sleep, which can also make you more susceptible to getting sick.
If you’re trying to stay healthy, it’s best to limit your alcohol intake.
3. Avoid sugar
Just like alcohol, sugar can also weaken your immune system. When you eat sugar, your white blood cells become less effective at fighting off bacteria and viruses.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day for women and 36 grams (9 teaspoons) per day for men. A typical can of soda contains about 35 grams of sugar, so it’s easy to see how quickly you can exceed your daily limit.
If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, there are plenty of ways to do so. You can drink water instead of soda, eat fruit instead of sugary snacks, and limit your intake of processed foods.
4. Wash any item you touch
We touch a lot of things throughout the day, from doorknobs and light switches to our phones and keyboards. These surfaces can be crawling with bacteria and germs.
Washing your hands frequently is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. But you should also wash other surfaces that you touch often. This includes things like your phone, your computer keyboard, and your doorknobs.
5. Probiotics
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. The good bacteria help to keep your gut healthy and functioning properly. They also play an important role in supporting your immune system.
Probiotics are live bacteria that are similar to the good bacteria that live in your gut. You can get probiotics from supplements or fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
Taking probiotics may help to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of getting sick.
6. Stop biting your nails
Biting your nails is a nervous habit that can also be a bad habit for your health. When you bite your nails, you’re exposing your mouth to bacteria and germs that can live under your nails.
This can lead to infection. If you’re trying to kick the nail-biting habit, there are a few things you can try. You can keep your nails trimmed short, so there’s less to bite. You can also try applying a bitter-tasting nail polish.
7. Exercise moderately
Overexercise can actually suppress your immune system, so it’s important to find a balance. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
8. Get enough sleep
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t have time to repair itself. This can make you more susceptible to getting sick.
Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can try. Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
9. Manage stress
Stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health. When you’re stressed, your body produces hormones that can weaken your immune system.
There are many different ways to manage stress. Some people find that relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation help. Others find that exercise is a great way to relieve stress.
By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself healthy and avoid getting sick. Remember, the best defense against illness is a strong immune system.
Additional Tips:
- Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to give your immune system the nutrients it needs to function properly.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can weaken your immune system. If you’re overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can improve your health.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking damages your lungs and weakens your immune system. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.
- See your doctor regularly: Getting regular checkups and screenings can help to identify health problems early on, when they’re easier to treat.
By following these tips, you can take charge of your health and reduce your risk of getting sick.
