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Now more than ever, it’s important to have a healthy immune system. What many people don’t know is there are tons of ways to provide a boost to your immune system that are completely natural and good for the body. Many of these methods are so simple that you can implement them today! However, if you do fall ill, visit the CEC Health Center, home to the best family medicine doctor in Wyandanch that accepts Medicaid. Using the following tips will help keep you and your family healthy!
Getting Enough Sleep
Several studies have shown that sleep and immunity have quite a strong correlation. A study of 164 adults found that those who got less than six hours of sleep a night were more likely to catch a cold than those who got more than six hours of sleep. In general, you should shoot for at least seven hours of sleep, giving your body a chance to recharge and rejuvenate. If you have a hard time falling asleep, try to limit your exposure to blue light (the light from your phone, computer, or TV), as it can disrupt your wake/sleep cycle.
Exercise
Unsurprisingly, exercising regularly improves your overall health, including strengthening your immune system. Engaging in about two and a half hours of moderate exercise (brisk walking, riding a bike, a light jog) per week can have tremendous benefits on your immune system. A recent study found that those who engage in moderate exercise just once a week receive a boost to the effectiveness of their vaccines. Although it may seem simple, just going for a walk is one of the best ways to get exercise and decrease stress simultaneously, and walking for just about 20 minutes a day can make a difference in improving your immune system. Exercise also releases endorphins, which help lower stress levels and pain while increasing happiness. In general, being more active tends to be correlated with reaping more health benefits, so try to do as much physical activity as possible! However, there is such a thing as too much exercise. If you feel extremely burnt out or exhausted, our family medicine doctor in Wyandanch that accepts Medicaid recommends it may be time to tone it down a notch, as being worn down can make your immune system more vulnerable.
Diet
What you put into your body has a tremendous impact on the effectiveness of your immune system. It is important to eat as clean as possible and to maximize the number of nutrients your body absorbs. For starters, you should try to drink more water, as although it doesn’t fight off bacteria or flush out illness, being dehydrated increases your chances of falling ill. Secondly, try to eat more healthy fats, which tend to reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation hinders your immune system, making eating more healthy fats a good way to balance out your diet.
Additionally, try to eat whole plants, whether they be fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes. These foods are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Antioxidants specifically help combat inflammation, while vitamin C has been shown to decrease the duration of the common cold, among other benefits. Lastly, limiting your intake of added sugars has numerous benefits, and one study found that those with obesity (which sugar can play a key role in causing) are twice as likely to get the flu than those without it when both parties are vaccinated. Cutting sugar also makes weight loss far easier, promoting general health as well. The following is a list of healthy foods our family medicine doctor in Wyandanch that accepts Medicaid recommends you should try to incorporate into your diet to boost your immune system.
-Salmon
-Chia Seeds
-Almonds
-Yogurt
-Citrus Fruits
-Broccoli
-Red Bell Peppers
-Spinach
-Garlic
Managing Stress and Anxiety
Those who are stressed out for long periods of time tend to have an increased risk of inflammation, which makes you more susceptible to illness. Managing your stress by meditating, practicing yoga, keeping a journal, or exercising can help ensure that your immune system is working at an optimal level. Additionally, these activities will help you to think more clearly and feel more at peace as you go through your day. Keeping a positive mindset is also very important for decreasing stress and anxiety, and having positive thoughts is shown to improve resilience to the common cold and the flu.
Seeking a Family Medicine Doctor in Wyandanch that Accepts Medicaid?
Here at the CEC Health Center, we care deeply about the health and well-being of our patients. Hopefully, these tips and tricks can help keep you happy and healthy during these trying times. If you are seeking a family medicine doctor in Wyandanch that accepts Medicaid and would like to learn more about our practice or schedule an appointment contact us! To learn more about insurance/payment options, click here!