There is nothing worse than getting the stomach flu or influenza. While studies have shown that there are things we can do to stay healthy, it’s not always known to our collective. Here are six reasons that you might want to reconsider your habits.

Sleep Is Vital

Sleep deprivation is very prevalent in our society, based on research chance are that you experience sleep deprivation during a month. Sleep is crucial for the body’s production of cytokines. Cytokine is a protein that reduces inflammation and infection in the body. People who don’t get enough sleep tend to get sicker. To ensure that your immune system is functioning optimally, you need to make sure that you implement a sleep routine that allows you to get 7 to 9 hours of adequate sleep.

Managing Stress Is Important

Do you tend to allow stress to control your life? If so, it’s time to consider a stress release technique to ensure you stay healthy. Stress is a significant contributor to illnesses. One person out of three reports feeling very stressed in their daily life, which tends to put us at risk of activating harmful viruses that may be in our system. People with a healthy immune system have learned to tame the stress in their life. They have found ways to change their perspective to be less reactive about various situations that may arise.

Exercising Keeps Us Healthy

Daily activity can strengthen the immune system across the lifespan. Not only does frequent exercise boost our immunity, but it also seems to delay its aging. Allowing us to maintain an optimal immune system as we grow older. Daily exercise can be as simple as a 20 to 30-minute walk. You can also add yoga or Pilates to your routine.

You Are What You Eat

Anything that comes in a box, in the freezer section of the store or a can, should be avoided; unless you are 100% sure that no sugar or salt is added to the food. You can change your diet to be mostly whole food. By cutting the processed food, reduce the chances of inflammation in the body. You should also avoid sugar as much as you can, since it hurts your metabolism, and can cause chronic diseases like diabetes or heart problems. Chronic diseases increase your risk of getting sick from a virus