By Kimberly Mikesh

Healthy Habits: 5 immune system boosters

Immune system boostersThe human body does an amazing job of protecting us from all sorts of things, but sometimes we have to help out a little to give our bodies a fighting chance to stay healthy. Follow these tips, straight from Harvard experts (via HealthBeat), to stay healthy until warmer days arrive.

Don’t smoke: You knew this one was coming. Along with a myriad of other health implications, smoking reduces your body’s ability to fight off micro-organisms that result in frequent colds. Just quit, already.

Eat more fruits and veggies: Here’s one place where “indulge” and even “overindulge” aren’t dirty words. Challenge yourself to eat the rainbow and your body will thank you.

Get your Zzzzs: Did you know that not getting enough sleep makes you more susceptible to that office bug that’s going around? So do yourself a favor and shut off the computer and get some extra shut-eye.

Take a walk: Consistent exercise gives you a greater ability to fight germs. The great news here is that you don’t need to be an ironman -- or ironwoman -- to reap the benefits. Just walk for 20 minutes a day to reduce your risk of infection.

Be a skeptic: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many products claim to boost immunity, but they’re based on bogus science. Focus your efforts on the easy, common-sense tips above instead of on gimmicks and fads.

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