5 Ways to Prepare Your Immune System for Fall

by Cascade Ice on September 10, 2020

With experts predicting that this year’s flu season will be more serious than most, people will be looking for ways to prepare their bodies to fight off infection and even shorten or lessen the severity of seasonal illnesses. And as COVID-19 still looms, now is a great time to do all that you can to stay healthy and keep your body strong.  After all, when your body is working well, it can help you avoid illness. But if you let it get run down, you’re more likely to get sick.

Your immune system is a complex system of cells and organs that work in harmony to protect you against disease, and stops bacteria and viruses from entering your body. Here are 5 simple ways to keep your body running the best it can be heading into the Fall season.

Take a probiotic

About 80 percent of your immune system reaction happens in your gut, so it’s very important to keep it healthy. Recent studies concluded that probiotics can boost the body’s immune response, helping it to better prepare to fight infections including the common cold. There are many probiotics available in drug stores or grocery stores near you – choose one with a few different strains of good bacteria.

Eat the Rainbow

We all know that a well-balanced diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables, but did you know that the immune system needs nutrients from all kinds of different foods to function at its best? Try to include many different types of foods in your diet that include vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates and protein. Red, orange and yellow vegetables contain Vitamin C, and leafy greens include vitamins C, E and K, folate and other minerals. 

Go outside

Getting outside each day has too many benefits to name, but the most important benefit during colder months is getting Vitamin D from sunlight. Daily exposure to the sun can also help your body better absorb vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy. Being in nature and getting fresh air can also reduce anxiety, improve your sleep cycles, and help you to be social during COVID-19 when it’s much safer to interact with others outdoors.

Use a humidifier

Several studies have shown that viruses like the flu may spread more easily in dry air. Humidifiers work to add moisture to the air in your home. Humid air has also been shown to make virus particles more likely to fall out of the air quickly after an infected person has breathed or coughed. And, if you do come down with the sniffles, a humidifier will keep your nasal passages lubricated so there is less discomfort.

Hydrate Your Body

One of the most important but often most overlooked factor in keeping the body functioning its best to prevent illness is staying hydrated daily. Drinking more fluids may even boost immune system function, helping you fend off illness during the fall and winter months. You can even give your water a boost of natural vitamins by adding lemon, honey or even mint. If regular water gets boring, try a zero-calorie Cascade Ice Sparkling Water – available in many flavor options to keep you hydrated each day.

How do you keep your immune system running great? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Tips for Self-Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Cascade Ice on August 21, 2020

The current world we live in can often feel overwhelming. We’re inundated with news and new information, and many are juggling difficult career situations or working from home along with caring for family. But what about taking good care of your own health and well-being? With so many things going on during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy to forget that we need to set aside time to make sure we’re managing our lives in the healthiest ways possible. This includes daily self-care. 

Self-care can look differently to different people. Perhaps it’s getting out for a nice long walk around the neighborhood, or maybe it’s cooking up some comfort food. Whatever you choose to do each day, make sure that it helps to keep your mind and body healthy – even if that means turning off the news! Here are just a few tips that you can use to take care of yourself during uncertain times like these.

Eat healthy foods and maintain a well-balanced diet as best you can. Make sure to include in-season vegetables and fruits, lean meats and grains, and take a multivitamin to fill in any gaps in your diet.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your brain functioning optimally. If you feel fatigued, it’s likely due to dehydration, so make sure to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces (even more if you work out)

Give yourself little “treats” to make life fun. Staying at home can be monotonous, so it’s fun to incorporate spontaneous things like a family dance party or a fun, new cocktail recipe!

Get some form of exercise everyday. This may sound daunting, but climbing a flight of stairs or taking your dog for a walk is considered exercise. Getting your blood flowing has amazing benefits for your mental health, too.

Practice deep breathing. Take a few minutes each day (it’s best to do this first thing in the morning to set the tone for your day) to close your eyes and take several slow, deep breaths and focus on something. It will help clear your mind and put you in a happier mood instantly!

Utilize technology to maintain connections with friends and family that may not be nearby. While the state of the world has prevented us from socializing like we used to do, social media and video calls provide an amazing way to stay connected to others.

Practice graciousness. While times are tough, we could all acknowledge that we have things to be grateful for. The biggest one? Our health! Consider writing 3 things you’re grateful for each day in a gratitude journal and reminding yourself of those things throughout your day. It will put you in a positive mindset for the entire day.

Help others in need. While this may not seem like traditional self-care, many people report feelings of happiness when they reach out and help others. Check on older people in your community, or donate money or supplies to local organizations in need.

What are some ways that you have practiced self-care? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Keeping Your Physical and Mental Health on Track While Social Distancing

by Cascade Ice on March 25, 2020

We are experiencing unprecedented challenges during the current COVID-19 pandemic, and even if we are practicing the CDC “social distancing” measures, different aspects of our health can suffer. Check out our list of tips for maintaining your physical and mental health and fitness during these trying times.

Get Outside Each Day 

Whether it’s going outside and possibly getting some sunshine while gardening in the backyard or going for a quick jog or walk around the neighborhood, a little bit of physical exercise each day can do wonders for your health. This will give your body a chance to circulate blood to all of your vital organs, relieve stress, and get some Vitamin D to improve your mood.

Take Advantage of Online Fitness Classes

Many gyms and online personal training services are currently streaming their content free or at a deeply discounted price. And most routines are adapted so you don’t need any fancy exercise equipment – just you! So get moving!

Cut Back on Electronics 

It’s easy to feel inundated and overwhelmed by the 24/7 news cycle, especially during times like these. Instead of letting yourself stay logged on all day, designate a few time windows each day where you can check the news and stay connected to friends and loved ones (maybe even video call!). And make sure you log off completely an hour before you hit the sack, which will help you sleep better overall.

Cut Yourself Some Slack!

There are no steadfast rules during this time, because in our lifetime, we’ve never faced something quite like this. So, do what you need to do to stay healthy each day, whether it’s to create a schedule, meditate, call a friend, listen to a podcast, or enjoy a cocktail! (We have many low-calorie and low-sugar ideas here). Remember, we are all in this together!

What are you doing during the pandemic to maintain your physical and emotional health? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.