Winter Wellness with Florida Orange Juice

For many people, cooler weather means cozy days bundled up in your favorite sweater and snug evenings by a warm fire. But for people who really don’t want to be out of commission because of a cold, cooler weather can bring about less-than-ideal feelings, knowing that the chances of getting sick increase when the temperature dips. 

As a busy business owner and a mom of a school-aged child, I can’t afford to be out of commission because I have to nurse a cold. And while there is no surefire way to prevent getting sick (short of living in a bubble and never coming in contact with another human), there are some things that I like to do that can help keep my immune system supported, ultimately helping it stay in fighting shape if an illness happens to enter my body. 

Simple Steps Can Help Support Immune Health

Immune health is supported by a slew of factors, and simple practices can have a profound impact on our body’s ability to fight off “the ick” that seems to come about during the chillier months of the year. Will they guarantee that you will be free from the sniffles if your little one accidentally sneezes right in your face? Not quite. BUT, certain things can help your body maintain a strong immune system to help it fight off whatever foreign virus or bacteria has come its way.

Once the weather dips and I start hearing sniffles more frequently, here are some evidence-based ways I try to support my immune health:

- Include physical activity in my day

- Prioritize quality and adequate sleep

- Wash my hands frequently

- Try to avoid biting my nails (key word try – it’s a hard habit to break)

- Avoid excessive alcohol use

And as a registered dietitian, it should come as no surprise that I tweak my diet to prioritize immune-health-supporting nutrients. From probiotic-containing kefir to zinc-containing nuts, focusing on nutrient-dense foods is the name of the game for me. 

And when it comes to beverages, my go-to drink of choice is Florida Orange Juice --- a juice that checks so many boxes when it comes to immune health and is delivered in a delicious and convenient package. 

Why Florida Orange Juice for Immune Support?

100% orange juice is perhaps best known for the vitamin C that it contains. And while it is true that one 8 ounce serving provides over 100% DV of this key immune-supporting nutrient, it isn’t the only factor that keeps OJ on the top of my list. 

When I enjoy a glass of fortified OJ, my body gets the benefit of vitamin D, with one 8 ounce serving providing 15% DV. Vitamin D plays an important role in helping to regulate our immune responses and helps immune cells fight off bacteria and viruses that get into the body. 

100% orange juice also contains phytonutrients, or naturally occurring plant compounds, which work to support the immune system by fighting inflammation and helping cells communicate with each other. Improving cell communication can help strengthen our immune response when encountering infection. 

Finally, Florida OJ supports hydration. Staying adequately hydrated can help keep your body functioning properly. Since orange juice is made of almost 90% water, it is clear that drinking it can help support hydration status in a delish way. 

Bottom Line

During the colder months, unfortunately, people tend to get sick more frequently. And while there is no surefire way to help keep a person free from becoming ill, starting healthy habits like prioritizing sleep and washing hands may help the cause. And when it comes to dietary choices, opting for foods that contain immune-supporting nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D, may offer some benefit. For beverage choices, leaning on the natural goodness of Florida Orange Juice will provide vitamin C and plant compounds. If fortified OJ is chosen, immune health-supporting vitamin D will be included as well. 

Simple steps can have a big impact on our overall health. And making an effort to sleep well, wash your hands, and include 100% OJ in a healthy diet may be just what your body needs during cold and flu season. Taking these steps certainly won’t hurt anything, and it may help! 

This post was created in partnership with the Florida Department of Citrus. As always, all opinions are my own.