Cold and flu season is among us and there are a variety of ways we can help to support a healthy immune system. A healthy immune system can help defend our bodies and fight viruses that we may encounter during this season. Managing stress and taking care of our bodies is pivotal to keeping your immune system healthy. Here are a few tips to remember.
Sleep: Prioritize sleep by keeping a nightly routine or schedule. Having a consistent schedule will help you fall asleep and provide a more restful sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep nightly.
Exercise: Research shows that when it comes to boosting your immunity, regular moderate-intense exercise is best. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), most adults should get at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week. In addition, muscle-strengthening activities such as body weight strength training, is also recommended at least two days per week.
Hand-Washing: Thorough hand-washing with soap and water is an effective way to protect you and others from spreading viruses. Wash your hands multiples times during the day and especially after coughing, sneezing or touching your face, prior to preparing food, prior to eating, after using the toilet, and after being outside.
Stay Hydrated: Many forget the importance of hydration. It’s essential to help support a healthy immune system. Aim for 8-10 cups of fluids per day. This includes water and other drinks such as milk, juice and hot drinks such as tea.
Eat a Balanced Diet: There is no one food, food group, nor supplement that can keep the body healthy. That’s why it’s important to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all the food groups. Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, protein, complex carbohydrates and low-fat or non-fat dairy. Choose high-quality proteins that contain all the essential amino acids, like beef. Just 3-ouces of beef provides 53% of the recommended daily value of zinc which helps support the immune system. Protein also makes up the building blocks for your body to make antibodies. Be sure to add a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to your snacks and meals to ensure you are getting adequate nutrients and antioxidants to support immune system health.
Eating a balanced diet can be easy and delicious. Try this Sesame Soy Beef Stir-Fry recipe from BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. It checks all the boxes for a variety of foods that help to support the immune system.
Posted: January 13, 2025
Conceived by rancher and blogger, Terryn Drieling, this recipe is as good as is sounds. Green herbs provide more flavor to this roast that is sure to satisfy any hungry family.
The Federation of State Beef Councils represents the 43 Qualified State Beef Councils. Collectively, the QSBCs include more than 700 state board members and these board members represent a wide range of industry organizations and every segment of the beef industry. The Federation is a division of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), which is a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. The program is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
