Surviving the carnival healthy

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Soon, the carnival is at its peak. Many people even call it their personal highlight of the year. But, be cautious: lack of sleep and alcohol are frequent companions of carnival and stress the immune system. Often, this time of “partying and drinking” is followed by a cold.

Of course, it is important to party now and then; even if only one night of few sleep is affecting our immune system. But, caution should be used when you don’t omit any party and festivity. Because, several nights with few sleep have a massive impact on your immune system and may lead to a metabolic disorder. Here are some hints for a strong immune system.

Boost your immune system

• Moderate and regular exercise: Before carnival starts, strengthen your immune system with regular and moderate exercise in fresh air like jogging.
• Balanced nutrition full of vitamins: Support your immune defense with a nutrition rich in vitamins and minerals. Perfect are: Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, wholegrain products or pulses.
• Fluid balance: When you tour the streets with a carnival parade or dance on Carnival balls you are moving and sweating a lot. By doing so, your body will lose a lot of fluids and vital substances that need to be replaced. Therefore, drink sufficient water like silent mineral water for example. And: Remember to drink a glass of water with every glass of alcohol!
• Avoid too much alcohol: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption despite party-time. Your liver cleans the blood from poisons and bacteria; but, to break down alcohol your liver must postpone all other tasks. This weakens your immune system and opens the field for pathogens.
• Due portion of sleep: Consider that not only a due portion of sleep but also the sleeping quality is decisive for the regeneration of the body as well as of the immune system. During sleep, our immune system works at full blast. During deep sleep, the number of immune cells increases, and information connected to pathogens are saved. Excessive alcohol consumption disturbs deep sleep. This leads to a poor sleeping quality and our immune system is not able to work at night.

Imagesource: @fotolia

Source: Editors – Simply healthy sleep