Don't Let Illness Knock You Off Your Feet

Your immune system: there's nothing quite like it in the world. You pay a steep price if it malfunctions--sometimes quite literally. You can end up missing work and/or school, which, without paid time off, can cut deeply into your living expenses. Many of us became all too aware of these consequences during the scare over H1N1.

That is why it is so important to be able to nurture the immune system AND to recover quickly if illness strikes. Let me share the tips that have kept me totally disease-free for more than 18 months.

A multivitamin is essential in your daily routine, of course, but you should also be taking a supplement specifically geared toward immune support. Don't take this step exclusively during cold and flu season--take it year-round! Bacterial and viral infections can strike anytime, and you never want to leave yourself vulnerable if you can help it.

Don't be fooled into thinking that immune system boosters consist solely of Vitamin C. While a maintaining high intake of C is important, it is a large combination of vitamins and minerals that offers comprehensive care to this vital system. Any product you choose to strengthen natural immunity should have research to back up its claims, so read carefully before putting anything in your body.

Follow all the basic rules of healthy living. After all, they keep getting repeated for a reason! Strive for at least eight hours of sleep each night, and always consume a balanced diet. Stress has been proven to undermine your body's ability to fight bacterial and viral invasion, so make deep relaxation a major priority!

The office is a breeding ground for illness, so be sure to keep antibacterial wipes convenient in your cubicle to keep your keyboard, desktop, etc. clean. Hand sanitizer is also a must-have, though you should not substitute hand sanitizer for traditional hand washing after using the restroom.

You should further take note that hand gel is not proven effective for preventing the spread of influenza, as it is typically inhaled directly into the lungs. Instead, do receive your flu vaccine to significantly reduce your chances of contracting the virus if you come into contact with someone who is ill.

If you do become ill, carry on with your immune strengthening supplements, as these will help you get back on your feet quicker. Don't try to push through the illness; it is better to take a day off from your obligations to nip it in the bud. Hot beverages soothe sore throats by stripping away dead cells clinging to living tissue. Ultimately, however, if you make yourself your first priority, then the remedies are incidental.