5 Tips to Boost Your Immunity during the Holidays | The Momma Chronicles

I always look forward to the Christmas season when I was younger. Aside from a trip up north where we spend the holidays with my mom’s side of the family, I can’t wait for Noche Buena and opening of gifts by 12 midnight. The traditional Bingo and other games also keep us alive on the eve of Christmas, which is the perfect bonding moment with my cousins. 

Because of the cool weather, Christmas season is also a flu season. Coupled with the “holiday stress,” most of us are prone to colds and cough as we start the countdown to Christmas. It’s no wonder many of us are a bit under the weather come Christmas Eve. 

Why waste the holidays and surround ourselves with boxes of tissue and Paracetamol when there’s something we can do about it? Don’t let the cough and colds take over. Here are five tips to help us boost immunity as we say hello to the holiday season: 

Photo grabbed from Fern-C Facebook page

1. Hit the Snooze Button

Fact: sleeping is one of the cornerstones to keep your health at its optimum level. According to a Yale School of Medicine research involving mice, the circadian clock controls the immune system gene, which helps bodies sense and get rid of bacteria and other viruses. This shows that lack of sleep increases one’s chances of getting sick. At the same time, we are not giving our bodies enough time to rest and recover. 

Therefore, get enough sleep to give immune system a boost. Although every person’s required sleeping hours to be able to function well differ, at least aim for six to eight hours every night. 

2. Plan Early to Reduce Stress

Holiday season often equates to holiday stress – the traffic, last-minute shopping, long queues in the supermarkets, countless Christmas parties, and other personal responsibilities we have to attend to such as kids and work. Once stress is in control, it starts to weaken the immune system and makes us more prone to common illnesses such as colds and cough. 

Therefore, make a plan on how to go about the holiday season to minimize stress. This includes:

  • Make a list of gifts and menu for the Christmas and New Year.
  • Schedule Christmas parties and reunions accordingly. No need to go to every single party you are invited to, especially if the schedule won’t allow it. 
  • Shop early to avoid Christmas rush. Allot a portion of your time, say every weekend or after work, to do your Christmas shopping. 
  • If you plan to buy during mall-wide sales, make sure to go there early. 

3. Choose Food and Drinks Wisely

‘Tis the season for coffee and planner. There will also be tons of Christmas parties and reunions here and there, which means more booze. 

Take it easy. 

One of the simplest yet best ways to boost immunity is by choosing food and drinks wisely. Holiday season won’t be complete without sweets; however this could affect the immune system in a negative way. Therefore, we should all take care of our health and include fruits and veggies in our daily diet. Foods like citrus fruits, garlic, broccoli, ginger, Greek yogurt, nuts, and green tea contains essential vitamins and minerals to help mommas like us stronger and healthier. 

4. Get Up and Get Moving 

Aside from proper diet, exercise is another way to not only kick excess pounds but also give immunity a boost. Several studies show that regular exercise slows down the release of stress hormones, thereby lowering the chance of getting sick. Regular exercise also makes the heart stronger, the lungs more able to handle oxygen, and the body more equipped to kick bacteria away.

Despite the busy schedule and holiday rush, here are tips to include exercise in the daily routine: 

  • Wake up a bit early than usual to workout.
  • Walk more often.
  • Take the stairs instead of riding the elevator. 
  • Play with kids. 
  • Schedule workouts on weekends. 
  • Do chores. 
  • Maximize exercise videos on YouTube if you can’t go to the gym. 

5. Get Your Dose of Vitamin C with Fern-C 

Photo grabbed from Fern-C Facebook page

Exercise and proper diet will help boost one’s immunity. Here’s the question: are we all getting enough of the vitamins and nutrients our body needs to keep us strong and healthy?

This is where Fern-C comes in. 

Fern-C is a potent antioxidant that provides enough supply of vitamin C, helps boost immune system and increase body resistance against infectious diseases – with just one to two capsules daily. The best part is that Fern-C can be taken on an empty stomach since it is sodium ascorbate.

Sodium ascorbate is a type of ascorbic acid, which is alkaline-based and minimizes stomach upset because it dissolves faster for quicker body absorption. On the other hand, ascorbic acid is a good choice of daily supplement because it helps strengthen the immune system. However, it may cause stomach irritation and must be taken after meal. 

Both sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid have antioxidant properties and increases your body’s resistance against stress and infection for better immunity. Between the two, sodium ascorbate is the better option especially if you have sensitive stomach. 

Make sure to hit the “Like” button and follow Fern-C’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram account for updates and tips on how to keep your health in tip-top shape. 

Have a merry holidays!