Winter wellness: Supporting a healthy immune system

It is the time of year where many of us think of wellness. We are moving into a new year, settling into winter’s cold and flu season, and dealing with the impacts of almost two years of the coronavirus pandemic. Our lifestyle can affect how well our immune system protects us from microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and chronic illness.

The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that defends the body against infection. Your immune system must be strong enough and smart enough to fight off a variety of illnesses and infections. There are science-backed ways we can build and maintain a strong and healthy immune system.

Maintaining a healthy diet is key to a strong immune system. Eating whole foods, lean protein and healthy fats provides our immune system with energy and ensures it gets the micronutrients it needs to sustain itself. The body absorbs vitamins and nutrients from food sources better than from supplements. One of the best ways to support your immune system is to eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.