No one wants to be hit by the virus so stopping it in its tracks is crucial. With one of the worst virus seasons in decades in full swing, this is the best time to make sure you have the necessary tools to bounce back in case you or your loved ones are affected.

So what are the best ways to give your immune system a much-needed boost?

* Get enough sleep
At the first sign of coming down with something, put yourself to bed and rest. While your natural instinct may be to push through, letting your body rest and recharge is one of the fastest ways to get you back to feeling well.

As we sleep, our bodies relax, repair, and regenerate, and evidence shows that a good night’s sleep boosts immune function and helps filter T-cells into our lymph nodes. Our lymphatic system is essential for defending our bodies from external invaders, so sleeping well can help you fight that cold fast.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, check out our top tips to help you get a deeper sleep.

* Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key as it can help clear toxins from the system and will replenish fluids lost from sweat, urine, and decreased food intake. Drink plenty of filtered water, bone broth and herbal teas to help you rehydrate.

* Increase your probiotics
Considering that your gut is the largest part of your immune system, you want to support it to stop this cold in its tracks. I recommend doubling up your usual dosage of your probiotic and loading up on gut-friendly fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut.

* Meditate
Stress is inflammatory. And we know that deep breathing practices and meditation can have profound effects on the body, from lowering blood pressure, to lowering inflammation and improving immune function. Even a 10 minute guided meditation can have profound effects.

*Start eating green vegetables
Your immune system is constantly active, figuring out which cells belong to your body and which don’t. This means the immune system needs a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals to keep its energy up and going.
A vegetable-based green juice is a powerhouse of nutrients for a strong immune system.