Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick

Stay Active at the Office

Sitting for prolonged periods of time can be "highly detrimental to your health, even if you regularly exercise during those times you aren't seated," according to Gene Stone, author of the new book, The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick. Indeed, a 2009 report revealed that "the more time people spent seated, the higher their death risk," said Stone. So, if you work in front of a computer all day, be sure to take breaks every 45 minutes to walk around.

Turning the Nozzle to Cold

Cold showers improve circulation, strengthen skin, bolster your immune system, improve your mood and invigorate your body. Also, a study of swimmers in Berlin revealed that exposure to ice-cold water elevated levels of glutathione, one of the body’s natural, stay-well antioxidants, according to Stone. The ideal length of a cold shower is five minutes, and its best to enter and exit the frigid stream in 30-second intervals.

Foster Your Friendships

People who report having a strong social support system possess the “most robust immune systems and are less likely to succumb to inflammatory disease,” according to Stone. Indeed, a recent Swedish study revealed that “having few or no close friends increases the risk of having a first-time heart attack by about 50 percent,” he says. To maximize the benefits of your social network, “for the next few weeks, strike up at least two conversations with someone whom you haven’t talked to before,” advises Stone, and make an effort to keep in contact with friends by face-to-face visits or phone conversations, as opposed to e-mail or Facebook.

Go for Garlic

It reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels, fights off staph infections and acts as a powerful antioxidant, Stone says. In fact, scientists from the University of Western Australia found that people who regularly consumed garlic cut their number of sick days in half, says Stone. Eat it raw or cooked, but steer clear of supplements, he says, since “many garlic experts claim that the process of making them may destroy the food’s potent health powers, he says.

Squeeze in a Midday Snooze

The number and effectiveness of disease-fighting immune cells increases with the more sleep you get, while a lack of shut-eye has been found to promote health-attack-causing calcium buildup in the heart arteries, and restricts the production of human growth hormone, which “limits the body’s ability to repair itself,” says Stone. His advice: Try to take a nap when feasible. The ideal time is 1pm to 3pm in the afternoon since according to Stone, “this is when our bodies are most in need of rest.”

Sip a Spirit or Two

Moderate drinking increases longevity and decreases the risk of heart disease by 20 to 50 percent, according to a study conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. People who drink moderately have also been shown to undergo fewer hospitalizations and have fewer disabilities than the general population, says Stone.

Incorporate Yoga Into Your Fitness Regimen

“Practitioners claim yoga’s body/breath/mind exercises strengthen and balance the immune system, stimulating it to more effectively destroy sickness-causing microbes,” says Stone. Regularly engaging in yoga sessions can also reverse several risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar and obesity. Research classes in the area, or consider purchasing a yoga DVD to practice at home.

Cut Your Caloric Intake

Research has indicated that eating less has "positive effects on overall health", "a calorie-restricted diet in which participants eat up to 25 percent less than they would normally eat reduces overall cholesterol, triglyceride levels and blood pressure," says Stone. However, to avoid vitamin deficiencies, make sure that whatever you're eating is "nutritionally dense", avoid simple sugars, make sure your protein intake is sufficient and don't forget to eat your vegetables!

De-stress Your Life

Too much stress can invite sickness. Indeed, studies have shown that a high level of stress can cause “sleeplessness, lack of energy, backaches, diarrhea, constipation, depression, bloating, cramping, changes in appetite, listlessness, irritability, rashes, hives, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes and high blood pressure,” says Stone. Experts say exercising at least three times a week, inhaling calm-inducing aromatherapy candles, or simply sharing a laugh with friends can work wonders in reducing stress.

Say Yes to Yogurt

The probiotic, or “good,” living bacteria present in yogurt have a “beneficial impact on many gastrointestinal conditions,” according to Stone – they also lower blood pressure, decrease cholesterol and strengthen the immune system. Eat at least a serving of yogurt daily to maximize the benefits.