Fit and healthy this winter? Give your immune system a boost!

The winter season can really drain your body. A weakened immunity leaves you more vulnerable to viruses. Below, we share some top tips on how to boost your immune system with just a few simple habits and some relaxation.

Why your immune system takes a beating in the winter

There are several reasons why your immune system weakens and you catch colds or the flu more easily:

• Less sunlight means less vitamin D. Because your skin is exposed to very little sun in the winter, your body makes less vitamin D. And this vitamin just so happens to be vital for a well-functioning immune system. So, a lack of vitamin D makes you more susceptible to winter ailments.
• Dry air affects your mucous membranes. Cold air outside and warm indoor air from central heating dry out your nose and throat mucous membranes. This makes them less effective at keeping out viruses.
• More time indoors = greater chance of germs spreading. In the winter, we spend more time in enclosed spaces. That makes it a lot easier for viruses to spread.
• Stress and tiredness also play a role. Short days, lack of daylight and the festive frenzy can raise your stress levels. Long-term stress exposure suppresses your immune system, so your body is less able to fight off germs. 

How to give your immune system a boost this winter

It’s really not that hard to support your immune system. By adopting a few simple habits, you can help your body stay strong and healthy, even on the coldest days of the year.

• Eat a nutrient-dense, colourful, balanced diet. Serve plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit and whole grains. This provides your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to strengthen your immune system.
• Keep exercising. Even though it’s chilly outside, a good walk or bike ride does wonders. Movement stimulates blood flow and helps reduce stress.
• Get enough quality sleep. A well-rested mind and body are crucial for a strong immune system. Go to bed on time and avoid screens right before bedtime.
• Schedule time for regular relaxation. Stress is very harmful for your immunity so take regular me-time. A visit to the sauna, for instance, not only helps you relax, it also trains your body: the alternate exposure to hot and cold temperatures strengthens your immune system naturally. 

Why a couple of hours in the sauna is your best ally in the winter

A sauna day does so much more than relax you. The heat has a positive effect on your body and helps you survive the winter healthy and energised.

• Your body goes into protective mode. During a sauna visit, your body temperature rises by a few degrees. This small increase is enough to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which play a vital role in fighting off viruses and germs.
• Blood flow is boosted. As a result of the heat, your blood vessels widen, which allows for a more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Waste products are removed more quickly. This takes the pressure of your liver and kidneys and makes it easier for your immune cells to circulate too.
• Less stress, more relaxation. Because of the heat, your body produces more endorphins (aka natural happiness hormones) while your cortisol levels (stress hormone) decreases. The result? Deep relaxation and a better night’s sleep.
• Healthier airways. Do also have a session in the humid saunas or steam bath. The hot steam keeps your mucous membranes moist so they can fight off viruses that try to enter your body via your nose or throat better.
• Hot-cold effect trains your body. Always end your sauna session with a cold shower or a dip in the plunge pool. This alternate exposure to hot and cold is a real workout for your blood vessels, which trains your body to cope better with temperature fluctuations.

A sauna day is not just pure relaxation but also a natural way to strengthen your immune system and arm your body against the winter. 
Thermae Grimbergen is open most days. We are only closed on 25/12 and 1/1, and on 24 and 31/12, we close our doors a little bit earlier than usual. 
You can’t book a sauna day unless you are using a special voucher. Want to know more about what you do or don’t have to book at Thermae Grimbergen? Click here!