The occasional (or seasonal)cold or fluis a natural part of life.

There can be several reasons you keep getting sick.

Many of them are within your control.

Lindsay Boyers

You’re experiencing chronic stress

Chronic stress (coupled with inadequate sleep) is the No.

1 reason people get sick, according toHeather Moday, M.D.,an allergist and immunologist.

All of these factors can increase your chances of getting sick.

Bindiya Gandhi, M.D.

The key word here isquality.

If you have trouble sleeping through the night, you may need to make some adjustments to yoursleep routine.

that keep your immune system healthy, butvitamin D,vitamin C, andzincare Moday’s top picks.

“Zinc insufficiencyis [also] rampant, and it’s such an integral player in immunity.”

Moday recommends consuming this immune-essential trio of micronutrients (C, D, zinc) daily through two strategies.

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To up your intake of vitamin C-dense foods, focus on fruits and vegetables.

To incorporate morezinc-rich foods, Moday recommends oysters, crab, pumpkin seeds, and dark chicken meat.

coli, and noroviruses4.

Many contain triclosan, an ingredient that’s been connected to various health issues andgut imbalance5.

Also, try not to touch your face.

It takes practice to break the habit, but it will pay off.

The effort should mimic brisk walking.

Exercise should leave you recharged and energized (albeit a little sweaty), not drained and dragging.

Alcohol also kills good bacteria in your gut, weakening your defenses and your gut barrier function.

What’s more, it cantrigger inflammation.

Limit your alcohol intake as much as possible.

There’s too much sugar in your diet

Sugar affects your immune system in two ways.

But you don’t have to take her word for it.

Limit sugar and processed carbohydrates as much as you might.

Focus on awhole-foods-based dietthat’s full of nutrient-rich ingredients.

Water is critical to most cellular reactions and physiological processes.

And don’t forget that sometimesdehydration occurs from a lack of minerals.

Don’t take antibiotics unnecessarily.

While antibiotics can be lifesaving against bacterial infections, they’re useless for viruses.

The minerals in bone broth also help keep you hydrated.