It’s fall, and you know what that means? Crunching autumn leaves beneath your feet, burnt oranges and ambers appearing in nature, the fresh smell of wood and pinecones, and let’s not forget- allergies. They don’t call it sweater weather for no reason. If you just can’t stop yourself from falling ill during fall (see what we did there?), you need to amp up your routine a bit along with your diet. Allergies and colds are our immune system’s way of responding or reacting to any harmful substance (allergens). When you get allergies, your body develops an antibody called immunoglobulin E. These antibodies fight against infections and travel to the cells in your body, which release chemicals. This is what causes you to have an allergic reaction.

Prevent yourself from getting an allergic reaction by taking necessary precautions beforehand and ensuring you do not go down the same spiral of rashes and respiratory issues this fall. Here are the top five ways you can adopt to keep your immune system this season.

Diet

80% of your immune system is within the gut. Ensuring that you maintain a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and necessary nutrients is a great way to fight off any threats to your body that may come about in the form of bacterial infections. A healthy diet means a healthy you. Try eating a diet that is rich in zinc and vitamin C, which can fight off infections and mitigate inflammation. Experts recommend a whole food diet. It should include fermented food as it contains good bacteria, which strengthens your gut.

Supplements

A daily dose of vitamin D could assist in strengthening your immune system. Alongside your diet, supplements like our raw green juice powder are rich in probiotics and 53 other essential nutrients (available in each serving). These are prone to improving gut health while strengthening the core mechanisms of your immune system.

De-stress

Stress is a factor that affects not only your immune system but your overall health. Prolonged versions of stress could contribute to common issues that weaken your immune system. If you suffer from anxiety or other stress-related chronic conditions, your body begins to develop stress hormones where your immune system is suppressed.

Get enough sleep

Your immune system must get enough rest. If you do not sleep, you are overworking yourself. Just like your computer, your immune system also heats up. Your immune system may be suppressed with cortisol, a hormone that keeps you wide awake. Getting adequate sleep helps strengthen your core.

Stay fit and active

Staying active allows your body’s antibodies to activate because the circulation of white blood cells increases rapidly. This allows your body to detect allergens far more quickly. It also helps you de-stress by lowering stress hormones, so your chances of getting sick are minimal.

Keep up with some of these changes in your diet and modifications in your lifestyle. Eventually, you can bear witness to significant improvements in your overall health and well-being.