You probably already know that you should get the flu vaccine, wash your hands, and sneeze into your sleeve. But there are other simple lifestyle steps you can take to keep your immune system in fighting shape this cold and flu season.

Basic hygiene measures, such not touching your face, help keep germs out of your system. But still, we’re all at risk for exposure. Rather than do’s and don’ts, we’re offering do’s and maybe’s, a list of action items that will or might keep your body strong enough to suppress the bugs that can put you out of commission.

4 Do’s

1. Moderate exercise has been shown to bolster a healthy immune system. Harder training, as for a marathon or other endurance event, can actually slow your immune system.

If you have the flu, you probably need to stay in bed. But if you have a cold, many doctors recommend gentle exercise, such as walking or stretching, to encourage your body to fight it off.

2. While the use of specific vitamins may be in question, a healthy well-rounded diet is recommended to keep your immune system at its best. If you don’t think you’re getting sufficient nutrition from your food, a daily multivitamin is recommended.

3. Water is also required for your body to function properly. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day.

The old ‘eight glasses a day’ rule isn’t backed by science, and the amount you need would depend on your body weight. As an easy guide, your urine should be almost clear; bright-yellow urine may indicate mild dehydration.

4. Sleep is vital for a strong immune system. A 2002 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that sleep helps make a flu vaccine effective. One week after the shot, adults on just four hours of sleep per night had created only half as many flu-fighting antibodies as those who’d gotten full nights of sleep.

& a Couple of Maybe’s

1. Vitamin C is commonly recommended for colds, but the research doesn’t back that up. Repeated studies have found that vitamin C neither prevents colds, nor shortens their duration.

But there is an exception at the extremities, according to the Mayo Clinic. Vitamin C has been shown to slash the risk of colds for marathon runners, skiers and other athletes who push their limits and brave the elements.

2. Neti pots have gained a lot of attention after the endorsement of Dr. Mehmet Oz. They’re small pots (they look a bit like Aladdin’s lamp) designed to deliver warm salt water into one nostril and out the other. This nasal irrigation is considered a safe and effective treatment for colds, as well as allergies and sinusitis.

However, a new study found that they may backfire when used by healthy people as a preventative. Daily users were found to have 62% more sinus infections than when they stopped using the pots altogether. Pending further research, they may be best kept as a treatment for current symptoms.

Author: Global Fit