It’s flu season, and many of us are sniffling and sneezing. This is an excellent time to think about how to boost your immune system and ensure that you and your family are ready. Please keep reading for tips on increasing immunity and protecting yourself against the flu.

Quick Facts about the Flu

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a viral respiratory illness that can result in mild to severe illness. This virus spreads rapidly and is easily transmitted from person to person via small droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. Furthermore, an individual may also get the virus by touching infected surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s nose, mouth, or eyes.

Usually, people recover from the flu in less than two weeks without treatment. However, many people who get the flu become so sick that they can’t go to work or school and must seek medical care. Severe cases may require hospitalization.

Some people—such as pregnant women, children younger than five years old, and older adults with chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes —are at high risk of severe complications from the flu.

Influenza Symptoms and Signs

Flu symptoms and signs can vary from mild to severe. In general, these signs usually begin abruptly within two days of exposure to the influenza virus but may be delayed for up to 4 days. The list of symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Headache
• Cough (usually dry)
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches and pains
• Loss of appetite and fatigue

7 Best Tips on How to Strengthen Your Immune System

If you want to stay healthy during flu season, there are many things you can do to protect yourself from flu. Here are seven ways how to build up your immune system:

1. Get a Flu Shot
2. Eat Nutritious Food Regularly
3. Be Physically Active
4. Wash Your Hands Frequently
5. Drink Enough Water
6. Get Enough Sleep
7. Avoid Large Crowds

1. Get a Flu Shot

The best way to build immunity from flu is to get a vaccine every year before the start of the season. Flu viruses are evolving continuously. So, each year, experts make a new vaccine to protect against viruses they expect will be prevalent during that season.

2. Eat Nutritious Food Regularly

The best way to support a healthy immune system is to consume a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

3. Be Physically Active

Exercise improves blood flow throughout your body— including vital organs and tissues— allowing them to function more efficiently. Moreover, regular exercise also helps strengthen muscles and improve balance, coordination, and endurance. All of which are important for keeping you feeling well.

4. Wash Your Hands Frequently

Don’t let germs lurk on your hands. Wash them frequently, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you do not have access to water and soap, clean your hands with hand sanitizer. Specifically, use one with at least 60% alcohol.

5. Drink Enough Water

Drinking enough water to flush out toxins from your body is vital. In particular, your immune system functions better when there are no toxins in your body, improving circulation and reducing stress on organs like the kidneys and liver.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep helps your body rebuild tissues and cells that have been damaged during the day, which helps keep your immune system working well.

7. Avoid Large Crowds

As much as possible, avoid being around others, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated areas. Whenever you are sick, do not go to public places to prevent infecting others. If you have to go out in public, lessen exposure by wearing a mask.

Get the Best Immune System Boosters From PHWC

One of the best ways to strengthen your immune system is by taking vitamin and mineral supplements. These boosters help give your body all the nutrients it needs for optimal health and well-being, which diet alone can’t fully provide.

Here are 7 of the best immune system boosting supplements available at Premier Health and Wellness Center:

1. Premier Immune Support

As an essential mineral, zinc participates in about 300 different enzymes, including those in connection with inflammation control, reducing free radicals, and enhancing immunity. Premier Immune Support features an Albion® TRAACS amino acid chelate. In this form, the gut can easily absorb the zinc with less interference from phytates and other minerals.

2. Premier Probiotic

Premier Probiotic is a dairy- and gluten-free, vegetarian, four-strain probiotic totaling 100 billion CFU† per capsule. The product contains four research-based strains of beneficial bacteria, including the highly-studied HN019® strain of Bifidobacterium lactis. To enumerate, the health benefits of these live microorganisms include

• Promoting a Healthy Intestinal Biome
• Enhancing the Immune System
• Regulating Bowel Function
• Aiding in Lactose Digestion

3. Premier Daily Nutrients

In sufficient quantities, minerals and vitamins work well together to benefit our health. However, nutrient imbalances impair this symbiotic relationship. This imbalance may result in gastrointestinal competition and displacement at the cell/metabolism level.

As a result, it can lead to nutrient insufficiencies and excesses. Premier Daily Nutrients contain a balanced nutrient profile to ensure optimum absorption of nutrients. This multivitamin supplement includes:

• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Copper
• bioactive folate
• beta-carotene
• trace elements
• vitamins B, B12, C & E

4. Premier Vitamin D

According to research, vitamin D deficient people were more likely to get sick from the flu or pneumonia than those who had adequate levels. That’s why it’s important to take Vitamin D not only for bone health but also for good immunity.

Premier Vitamin D features D3 5000, cholecalciferol in a convenient soft gel. This liquid formula combines vitamin D and sunflower oil using a micro-emulsification process. As a result, this type of vitamin D produces a natural micellized matrix that increases absorption.

5. Premier Magnesium

People who get enough magnesium have stronger immune systems because they can fight off infections more effectively. In particular, magnesium helps activate vitamin D, which strengthens the immune system.
Magnesium also plays a role in

• good energy production
• fights oxidative stress
• proper muscle and nerve function
• normal blood glucose regulation
• healthy bone formation

Premier Magnesium features Albion®’s TRAACS® magnesium lysinate glycinate (mineral amino acid chelate) and Albion’s chelated dimagnesium malate, formulated for optimal mineral absorption.

6. Premier Mega C

Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that helps fight against the onset of certain illnesses, especially colds and flu. Premier Mega C provides high-potency vitamin C and 7.5 mg BioPerine® per capsule. BioPerine, an extract of black pepper, helps promote optimal nutritional absorption. To prevent stomach upset, this supplement also contains buffering minerals.

7. Premier Omega

Omega-3 is one of the most critical components of your diet, and it’s not just good for your heart. It also supports the body’s ability to fight off viruses, including the flu virus. Premier Omega features MaxSimil® monoglyceride fish oil with three times greater EPA+DHA absorption than other leading fish oils. Thanks to MaxSimil’s patented lipid absorption enhancement technology (PLATform), the fish oil is optimized for maximum absorption in the intestines.

8. Premier Antioxidant

Premier Antioxidant contains a complete bioflavonoid complex with quercetin, resveratrol and pterostilbene. They work synergistically to
Magnesium also plays a role in

• improve immunity
• decrease inflammation
• promote better neurological function
• support cardiovascular health

Fight off the Flu!

Take these steps to boost your immune system and stay healthy this flu season. Again, the best way to protect yourself is through a healthy lifestyle and proper supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

Stock up on your immune boosters! Supplement your health with our quality selection at Premier Health & Wellness Center in Hamilton Bermuda and The Phoenix Center Pharmacy also located in Hamilton Bermuda. You may also conveniently purchase them online soon. If you have any questions, please call 441-292-5111.