Being sick is the worst, right? We all want a strong immune system to keep those nasty bugs at bay. Here are some simple lifestyle tips to help you stay healthy.

Keeping your immune system in top shape is essential for avoiding illness. Aside from washing your hands regularly and using hand sanitizer, you can boost your immune health by eating well and exercising.

Taking care of your immune system involves some common-sense habits. Here’s a list of tips to help you and your family stay healthy all year round:

1. **Healthy Gut, Healthy You:** Your gut health plays a big role in your overall immune system. Probiotics, which are good bacteria, can reduce inflammation and support digestion. You can get probiotics from yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like sauerkraut. They not only help prevent infections but also reduce their severity. For instance, athletes taking probiotics had 40 percent fewer colds in one study.

2. **Eat Nutritious Foods:** Processed foods and sugar can weaken your immune system. Instead, fill your diet with leafy greens, salmon, chia seeds, flaxseeds, sweet potatoes, and berries. These foods have anti-inflammatory properties and are far more nutritious than snacks like chips.

3. **Stay Energized:** If you’re feeling sluggish, it might be due to your diet. Make sure you’re eating healthy foods and cutting out unnecessary fats and sugars. Providing your body with the right nutrients and vitamins helps it function better and fight off illnesses.

4. **Plan Your Meals:** To get into the habit of eating healthy, plan and do your grocery shopping once a week. Sticking to a schedule helps maintain a healthy diet over time.

5. **Get Your Vitamin D:** Vitamin D is crucial for our bodies and helps create antibodies to fight diseases. Many people are deficient in this vitamin, which can weaken the immune system. Vitamin D is found in salmon and fortified foods, or you can get it from just 15 minutes of sunlight a day. Consider asking your doctor if a vitamin D supplement is right for you.

6. **Exercise Regularly:** Working out can boost your immune system. Regular exercise helps reduce the frequency of colds and prevents bacteria from growing in the body due to the rise in body temperature during workouts. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise a day to build a stronger body capable of fighting illnesses.

7. **Prioritize Sleep:** Sleep is as crucial as exercise for a healthy immune system. Lack of sleep can weaken your immune response, so try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If you can’t manage that, a 20-minute power nap during the day can help. Establish a regular sleep schedule to better support your immune health.

Strengthen your immune system with these habits: sleep well, exercise regularly, get enough vitamin D, limit processed foods, and consume more probiotics. These simple steps will help you stay ahead of sicknesses and maintain better overall health.