S'not just sniffles

Even though Runners are to have great immune systems because we workout we still get sick from time to time.  So, what is a runner to do? Listed below are some tips to help keep your immune system going strong and keep you healthy during your season.

1. Eat a Well Balanced Diet: I have discussed this before it is important that this gets done throughout the year it helps keep you healthy.
2. Eat your veggies, especially broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale. These are high in antioxidants that help protect you from viruses.
3. Have some yogurt. Yogurt contains good bacteria that helps protect the body from the bad bacteria and infections. Yogurt also makes a great medium in which to put some fruit and low-fat granola adding even more vitamins, minerals and fiber.
4.  Wash, wash, wash your hands! Simple, but washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to catching or spreading illness. Also, try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands.  
5. Have a "spot of tea." Research shows that the immune systems of tea drinkers react much faster to bacteria and viruses than non-tea drinkers. They think it has something to do with L-theanine that's in the tea. Doesn't seem to matter what kind of tea, either. Just be careful not to load it up with sugar!  Try localized honey since it will also help with any pollen based seasonal allergies.
6. SLEEP! Be sure you're getting your Zzzzzzzzs. Your immune system actually does a lot of work while you're snoozing. If you cheat yourself out of sleep, not only will you not be well rested, you're body doesn't have the opportunity to release as much immune-enhancing compounds to keep you healthy when you're awake. The best way to make sure that you are getting enough sleep is going to sleep about the same time (+/- 30min) every day.  If you are falling asleep in less than 10 minutes it means you are not getting enough sleep.

Many of these tips are not only good to keep yourself healthy but also to let your body recover from the previous days workout.  Much of what your body needs to fight off diseases is the same that you as a runner need to recover from workouts.