Three ways to stay healthy over the holidays

During the holiday season, we become more susceptible to catch colds and viruses due to increased stress, coming into contact with many other people and because we are inside, out of the cold. But there are measures you can take to avoid catching these illnesses. In this Patch post we will provide tips for how you can ensure you stay healthy amid all the hustle and bustle of the holidays

Boost your immune system.

Take steps to boost your immune system now, so that you don’t miss the joys of the holiday season laid up in bed with a flu bug.

A daily probiotic may help boost your immune system because an estimated 70 percent of our immune response comes from the “good” bacteria in our digestive tract. Taking a daily supplement that supplies key vitamins, nutrients and herbal extracts also is a good option to keep the immune system in optimal operating mode.

Also, proper handwashing prevents the spread of infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should wet and lather your hands, scrub for at least 20 seconds on both sides and under the nails and rinse well.

Watch your cholesterol levels.

Many of us who sit down to consume large holiday feasts with family and friends between Thanksgiving and New Year’s don’t worry about how the amount of calories we are consuming may affect our cholesterol levels. But we should, especially with high-cholesterol diets as a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fat and important to the body, but when cholesterol levels become too high, it can stick to artery walls and narrow them.

You can still enjoy your holiday meals, but on the next day, make healthy choices that will ensure you can enjoy many more. Commit to exercising at least 30 minutes three times a week, and consume heart-healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, fish and high-fiber foods (such as beans, nuts, figs and avocados).

Take time to de-stress.

The holidays often bring on a lot of stress with the pressures of buying the perfect gift, trying to limit spending, and experiencing conflict with extended family members we don’t see very often. Stress not only can affect our mental health, but our physical health as well. Stress can result in unsettled sleep, a rise in blood pressure and cholesterol, weight problems, binge eating, sexual dysfunction and digestive issues.

To combat stress, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. The proper regimen of supplements also enhances and helps optimize dietary nutrients necessary for physical and emotional health. Natural remedies made up of herbs proven to alleviate anxiety and induce calm, can also help to ease stress.

Don’t wait until January 1st to make healthy choices. There is no time like the present to ensure optimal health.

Steve Bernardi is a registered compounding pharmacist and co-owner of Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email steve@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.