How to Strengthen Your Immune System Before the Holiday Gatherings

December in the Philippines is a magical mix of traffic, food comas, and family reunions that start at 4 PM and end at… whenever kuya finishes karaoke. It is also the month when your immune system is fighting harder than your cousin trying to get a Grab ride home. 

To help you enjoy all the handa, parties, and tita interrogations about your love life, here is your fun and practical guide to boosting your immunity before the holiday chaos begins. 

‘Tis the Season to be Stressed? Not Today

We love Christmas but even the happiest Pinoy can feel overwhelmed by the endless shopping, traveling, and party hopping. Stress weakens your immune response faster than “Saan ka na? Papunta pa lang?” weakens your patience. 

Your body reacts to long periods of stress by releasing more cortisol. Too much of this hormone reduces the number of immune cells that help you fight viruses. So schedule pockets of calm. Ten minutes of quiet time, a short walk, or a guilt-free episode of your favorite series counts. 

Think of it as charging your emotional power bank. 

Sleep Like You Have No Alarm Tomorrow 

Filipino December nights are deadly for sleep. There are Christmas playlists everywhere, neighbors testing their speakers, and friends convincing you to go “quickly” to a Christmas market. 

But sleep is your immune system’s maintenance hour. While you rest, your body produces cytokines. These are proteins that help you fight off infections. When you lack sleep, your body produces fewer of them. 

Aim for seven to nine hours whenever you can. If you can power nap during the day, go for it. Call it your “immune boost siesta”. 

More Tubig Please 

With all the holiday drinks available from sago gulaman to milk tea to that suspicious mix made by your Tito, it is easy to forget plain water. 

Hydration supports your lymphatic system which transports immune cells throughout your body. Without enough water, these cells move like they are stuck in EDSA traffic. 

Try this trick. For every festive drink you enjoy, follow up with half a glass of water. Your immune system and your head the next morning will thank you. 

Eat Your Food… and Maybe Some Vegetables Too 

December meals are often high in sugar, fat, and salt. It is part of tradition, and we will not stop you. But your immune system needs vitamins and nutrients to stay strong. 

Make small swaps. Get at least one vegetable dish on your plate. Pick fruits for dessert sometimes. Choose lean meats when possible. You are not dieting. You are simply giving your immune cells the tools they need to fight for you. 

Galaw Galaw Before You Eat 

You do not need to run a marathon. Even light exercise helps your immune system by promoting better circulation. Better circulation means immune cells travel faster and respond quicker. 

A short morning walk, a few stretches while watching TV, or a ten-minute follow along workout online is enough. Think of it as a pre-Noche Buena warm up. 

Wash Your Hands Like You Mean It 

You already know this, but December is peak flu and cold season. With all the hugging, handshakes, and “mano po” moments, microbes travel faster than tsismis. 

Handwashing is one of your strongest shields. Use soap and water when available. Carry alcohol when it is not. Avoid touching your face especially in crowded places. Very simple habits. Very big benefits. 

Stay Ahead of the Sick Days 

If you are frequently tired, easily catching colds, or recovering slowly, your immune system might already be struggling. The best time to check is before the holiday rush. 

A simple checkup helps you spot problems early and gives you a better plan to stay healthy throughout the season. 

Take Charge of Your Health This Christmas 

Your immune system works overtime during the holidays. Give it the boost it needs so you can enjoy all the reunions, celebrations, and food without worrying about getting sick. 

Visit HealthFirst Clinic for your Pre Holiday Health Check 

(02) 8860 9740 

Stay healthy. Stay merry. Stay ready for every “picture tayo” moment. 

Sources 

World Health Organization. Healthy lifestyle recommendations for immunity Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sleep and immune function Harvard Health Publishing. Stress and the immune system Johns Hopkins Medicine. Hydration and immunity Mayo Clinic. Physical activity and immune health