Say YES to a stronger body and immune system by eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. These foods are rich in nutrients that will decrease inflammation and keep your digestive tract healthy, which in turn will help boost your immune system as it relies heavily on a healthy gut. Pick colorful foods with plenty of antioxidants such as vibrant peppers, oranges, leafy greens, carrots, and strawberries.

Limit your intake of sugar and refined carbs as these can significantly contribute to the development of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes which also suppresses your immune system. Read the labels of your food products to ensure you are eating real ingredients that contain less salt and sugar.

Consider upping your intake of probiotics; these are foods that contain healthy bacteria. Common probiotics include fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi. If fermented foods don’t make your menu, you can also consider probiotic supplements as another option.

Moderate daily exercise is a great way to reduce inflammation and promote healthy cell turnover improving your immune system’s response. It is also a great method of stress relief and can lower your risk for heart disease.

Aim for 30-60 minutes of exercise a day throughout the week. It doesn’t have to be intensive; the most important part is to move your body and stay active! Walking, swimming, biking, and hiking are all great options. Remember, the key to exercise is moderation. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

Sleep allows your body to rest and restore itself to prepare for the day ahead. Inadequate amounts of sleep can lead to a weakened immune system leaving you more susceptible to sickness, irritability, decreased functionality of many-body systems, and a decreased quality of life. Say NO to these negative side effects and YES to feeling rested and rejuvenated this year.

Adults should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep every night, while teenagers need around 8-10 hours and younger children up to 14 hours. For better sleep, we recommend sticking to a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine and electronics at least an hour before bed. Adding dark curtains to block out light and lowering the temperature can also help you achieve a good night’s rest.

Although you can’t avoid stress in life, you can adopt healthy strategies and methods to manage your stress levels better. Stress, mental health, and your immune system are intricately linked as stress can overwhelm and weaken your body’s defenses. Exercising , meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga are great practices that can help you reduce your stress levels. Lower stress levels will help keep your immune system well balanced and functioning properly, and will also help you feel better overall. When you feel overwhelmed, it is best to take time to unwind.

As you continue to pursue a healthier lifestyle this year, take these tips into consideration. Instead of focusing on the foods and experiences you are saying “NO” to such as your favorite junk food, alcohol, sweets, or staying up and watching television, we encourage you to focus on the lifestyle improvements you are saying “YES” to: your overall health, restorative sleep, increased energy, and a better quality of life! For more information or assistance with maintaining your health goals, contact Saravit Wellness today.

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