Tips to Boost Immunity When You Have Diabetes | The Prescription Shop

When you have diabetes, it’s important to recognize that your condition can negatively impact your immune system. Diabetics are at a heightened risk of illness and infection due to the reduced action of white blood cells. The Prescription Shop has tips to help you boost your immune system while you manage your life with diabetes.

Maintain a healthy diet.
One of the first things a diabetic person can do to protect their immune system is to eat a healthy diet. It’s important to choose foods which balance blood sugar and reduce inflammation as high blood sugar and inflammatory diets tend to decrease your immunity. People with diabetes also need to pay close attention to their portion sizes. Eating too much food can raise inflammation and lead to weight gain–both things that will contribute to a sluggish immune system. Whenever possible, select foods close to their natural state and avoid foods which are packaged and highly processed.

Focus on the right nutrients.
It’s also a wise idea to make sure you’re getting plenty of nutrients which support a healthy immune system. That means getting enough Vitamin C, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Also prioritize foods that are high in antioxidants and immunity boosting zinc and selenium.

• Vitamin C: broccoli, citrus fruit, tomatoes.
  
• Vitamin E: whole grains, nuts.
  
• Omega-3s: flaxseed oil, mackerel, anchovies, tuna, salmon.
  
• Antioxidants: fruits and vegetables. vegetables and fruit.
  
• Zinc: red, black, navy, cannellini, garbanzo beans, lean turkey.
  
• Selenium: sunflower seeds, brown rice, chicken.
• Other immune-boosters: garlic, turmeric, curcumin, ginger, onions.
  

Exercise regularly.
Did you know that exercise can boost your Immunity? When you keep up a regular exercise routine, you build immunity and reduce your chances of developing a cold or virus. And of course, regular exercise also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which is especially important for people with diabetes. Your exercise routine will help reduce stress and produce endorphins to help make you feel happier in general. Note that you should stick to moderate intensity exercise because strenuous activity can overdo it and lower your immune system instead.

Who’s looking forward to a healthy autumn season? The Prescription Shop is here for you to help make getting–and staying–healthy convenient. Visit our website today to learn more about our services, including online refills and prescription delivery.