Abstract:

Background: The winter season is consistently associated with an increased incidence of respiratory tract infections and other communicable diseases due to a complex interplay of environmental, physiological, and behavioral factors. Seasonal immune suppression, primarily driven by reduced sunlight exposure and colder temperatures, compromises host defenses, making individuals more susceptible to pathogens. Alongside this, common lifestyle patterns during winter—such as poor nutrition, inadequate physical activity, disrupted sleep, and elevated stress—further impair immune responses.

Objective: This review aims to examine and synthesize current scientific evidence on lifestyle modifications that can effectively enhance immune function during the winter season. The focus is on non-pharmacological interventions that are easily adoptable and evidence-based, including dietary practices, vitamin D supplementation, exercise routines, sleep hygiene, stress management, gut microbiota modulation, and traditional health practices.

Methods: A comprehensive review of recent literature (2010–2024) was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses focusing on immunity, seasonality, and lifestyle interventions were included.

Results: The review identifies several modifiable lifestyle factors with proven or promising immuno-enhancing effects. Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces the risk of respiratory infections, particularly in deficient individuals. A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and trace elements supports the activity of various immune cells. Moderate exercise improves immunosurveillance and reduces inflammation. Adequate sleep and stress reduction techniques like mindfulness bolster both innate and adaptive immunity. Furthermore, emerging evidence underscores the role of gut microbiota in systemic immunity, with probiotic-rich and fermented foods showing potential benefits. Herbal and traditional medicine systems also offer natural immunomodulators suitable for winter use.

Conclusion: Lifestyle modifications offer a valuable, accessible, and low-cost strategy to enhance immunity and reduce disease burden during the winter season. Integrating these interventions into public health policies and individual routines can substantially improve population health, particularly among vulnerable groups. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to assess the synergistic effects of combined lifestyle strategies.

Keywords: Winter immunity, Vitamin D, Sleep hygiene, Gut microbiota, Stress management, Probiotics, Herbal medicine, Respiratory infections.