Even though we in Australia don’t feel the colder months in the year the same way other countries do, thanks to our naturally warm climate, we’re still prone to flues and colds. Trying to maintain a healthy immune system requires a lot of care. One of the best ways to ensure you skip this flu season is by having proper nutrition. This will help you fight infectious illnesses which could be reason enough for you to miss gym sessions and therefore, will keep you from reaching your fitness goals.
In the past few weeks I’ve been hearing and seeing a lot of infections and viruses spreading around the gym. Sniffling, coughing and sneezing are just some of the symptoms that announce flu season, and honestly, if you see someone having them, you should keep your distance. But that’s not always possible in the gym as there are ill people who don’t necessarily show symptoms.
To best prepare for the flu season and successfully avoid getting infected in the gym, take these 3 simple steps: drink a lot of water, take immune support supplements, and don’t overwork your body. Let’s discuss all of these more in-depth.
Immune Support Supplements
There are a couple of immune support supplements you can take to maintain a healthy immune system, with the main ones being antioxidants and supplements made from herbs. Antioxidants preserve and protect the compounds of the body from free radicals (oxygen atoms with 1 electron), which can damage tissues and create health problems. These molecules are linked to diabetes, cataracts, aging and cancer. Out of all the nutrients we can consume, 6 of them offer support for the immune system: vitamins A, C and E, the minerals Zinc, Selenium and Sulphur. Taking enough of all these nutrients on daily basis will definitely help you remain healthy and avoid illness during this infectious season.
Water
A true gymaholic doesn’t need a reminder of the huge importance of water. Drinking enough of it (1.5L to 2L per day) is extremely beneficial to the body. The role water plays in the immune system comes after digestion occurs. It serves as a means of carrying all the nutrients to the cells and all toxic waste out of your body. Simply put, water helps purify your system.
Avoid Overworking Your Body
Exercising for an optimum time period is crucial for strength, muscular and recuperative gains. The best types of workout are high in intensity and short in duration. When you train too long you tire your nervous system, lessen your chances of muscle growth and weaken your immune system. Don’t train more than 50-60 minutes, but make it all count!
