Now is the right time to take stock of your health. Winter is here, it is very important to boost your immune system.
Here are a few things you can do for your own health:
Exercise regularly. Working out contributes to cell health, helps reduce stress, and reduces the risk of infections.
Have a blood test done to determine your vitamin D levels. The storage accumulated during summer lasts no longer than 3-4 weeks. Be aware that we do not create vitamin D from sunlight between October and April unless you live near the Equator. A value of 60/70ng/ml is ideal for a healthy person (note that the average person in Belgium is below 30ng/ml). Vitamin D can be purchased freely and does not require a prescription. Depending on your base value, an average daily intake of 2000IU is recommended.
Supplement zinc during the winter months. Zinc reinforces the immune system and can help shorten the duration of a cold or flu. Zinc is also known to lower blood sugar, a high-risk factor for severe COVID infections.
Reduce stress. Stress, especially chronic stress, has a negative and destructive influence on the immune system. Whereas it is, unfortunately, part of most people’s lives, there are ways to keep it at bay. Exercise regularly or take walks outdoors, meditate, do yoga, or join our breathwork class at the High Five NATO sports center. It will do wonders for your stress levels.
Eat healthily and seasonally. Good nutrition based on foods that have not traveled halfway across the planet and are grown locally is a great foundation for a healthy lifestyle and brings many benefits to your body.
Stay hydrated. When it is cold outside we tend to drink less water. However, the air is often dryer in winter, increasing the risk of dehydration. Water keeps your immune system strong and your body temperature balanced. Herbal teas and infusions are a good alternative to water.
For more information on classes go to https://natosportcentre.highfive.fit/en
Cheers,
NSC Team