Hacks For Healthy Immunity

As summer winds down and back-to-school kicks into high gear, give your immune system a little TLC to fight off whatever’s going around

- Emily A. Kane

Q: I’m a teacher and I get sick at the beginning of every school year! It makes for a rough start. What can I do to break this cycle? —Katie M., Twin Falls, Idaho

A: It can be hard to reel in the summer schedule, which often includes late nights, gardening, prolonged hikes, and having fun with friends and family. Even though most folks are more active in the summer, they may also get a little sloppier on making every bite count in terms of optimal nutritional value. Why does this matter? It can impact your immune system, increasing your susceptibility to illness.

To bolster your immune system, start with the basics, as always: Stay well- hydrated, keep a regular schedule that allows for 8 hours of sleep each night, and eat a healthy diet. If you want to occasionally have some ice cream, a sloppy Joe or fresh corn on the cob slathered in butter, that’s fine. Just don’t make a regular habit of sugary, fried, or processed foods.

Also consider trying a 10-day detox program before school starts up, to flush out your system and boost immunity. There are many different ways to do this, but here is one tried and true formula:

1 Schedule your meals: If you’re a breakfast person, your two meals of the day should be soon after arising, and then an early supper that’s wrapped up by 5 p.m. If you’re not ravenous in the morning, your scheme would be a brunch around 11 a.m., and then a light dinner around 6 p.m. This way, you can give your digestive system a rest for at least 14 hours daily, 10 days in a row. If this schedule works for you, you can even adopt the two-meals daily plan semi-permanently.