For keeping germs and unwanted bacteria at bay, frequent and thorough hand washing is a must and one of your best lines of defense against the spread of illness. Experts recommend washing your hands for at least fifteen seconds, using a generous amount of soap and water. They also suggest washing your hands before and after eating, and after you touch shared surfaces or other people.

Gut health is important for so many reasons, but did you know immunity is one of them? It’s true! In fact, experts say that up to 70% of your immune system is in your gut. By keeping your gut in check with healthy foods, supplements, and habits (including the ones listed below!) your gut flora will be better able to complete important immune-boosting tasks including absorbing nutrients, resisting infection, and fighting off inflammation.

Incorporate prebiotics and probiotics! To help get your gut on the fast track to recovery, prebiotic and probiotic supplements can also be very beneficial. Prebiotics promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, while probiotics provide live, good bacteria.

Hush & Hush’s PlantYourDay Vegan Protein Powder is formulated to promote balance for your skin and your gut health. The power-packed blend goes above and beyond the ingredients of a typical protein powder to include super greens, prebiotics and probiotics, superfruits, anti-inflammatories, energy boosters, fiber, and digestive aids. Bonus: it also tastes great!

Your body works hard for you all day every day, and during sleep is when the body is best able to repair and rejuvenate itself. Your immune system, in particular, requires a full eight hours of sleep to function optimally. That said, when your body’s requirements for rest aren’t properly met – due to late bedtimes, early rising, interrupted sleep, or all of the above – all of your body systems suffer.
For getting a better night’s rest, Hush & Hush’s MindYourMind formula contains a stress-soothing blend of magnesium, chamomile, valerian root, and other holistic ingredients for calming the mind and promoting deeper sleep.

Scientific studies confirm that our diet has a lot to do with our immune health. They recommend eating foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients in order to better fuel our immune systems. Fresh foods including fruits, leafy greens, and other colorful vegetables are a plentiful natural source of Vitamin C and should be included in your diet as much as possible.

That said, if you struggle to get an adequate amount of these on the daily, supplementing can be a helpful investment in your immune system. ShieldUp from Hush & Hush boosts immunity with an impressive 500mg of Vitamin C, and is also designed to reduce stress and fight inflammation with adaptogenic Rhodiola Rosea root, maca, and organic turmeric.

You don’t have to become a fitness buff to reap the benefits of exercise. Studies show that even just regular walks can help jumpstart your immune system and keep it going strong. Other benefits include stress reduction, improved moods, and lower levels of inflammation.

One of our newest obsessions is this cutting-edge at-home gym (at $995 it is less than most annual gym memberships) that looks sleek but also is a great outside-cardio alternative for those cold winter months.

As you probably know by now, chronic stress – or even short-term stress – can cause your immune system to tank. When this happens, your body simply isn’t able to fight off colds and illness as quickly or effectively as it normally would.

Although stress is unavoidable, taking even a few moments a day for mindful meditation or other self-care can have a positive impact on your immune system. You might also consider adding in some extra nutrition to combat stress in the form of a supplement, in which case ShieldUp and MindYourMind are both excellent options to help you bounce back from environmental and emotional stressors.

Lastly, smoking and drinking and two lifestyle habits that can compromise the gut microbiome balance and lower your body’s immune responses. Experts add that alcohol consumption can even increase your risk of catching certain infections and illnesses. For this reason, it’s a good idea to avoid both or drink only in moderation. Indulge responsibly and your body will thank you later!