How do you boost your immune system so that it can fight off diseases that may come your way? Here are 5 ways to do it.
Importance of the immune system
Your immune system is one of the most robust and clever systems in your body. It can identify an attack from thousands of different and ever-changing pathogens. It has also somehow developed a way to repel them.
However, there are times that your immune system doesn’t have an answer to the problem. This often results in illnesses such as a common cold to the flu. But, did you know that even though your immune system does well on its own there is still a lot you can do to help boost your immune system?
Here are a few tips to keep your immune system – and your health - in top shape!
Stop smoking
Humans have an insatiable urge to love things that are bad for us. Some of the most common are smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Yet vices are one of the biggest destructors to our immune system.
For example, smoking destroys antibodies in the bloodstream which fight off infections. Research also indicates that smoking creates an autoimmune response which attacks the lung tissue.
Exercise regularly
We all know that exercise is important to maintaining a healthy weight, improve bone density, and keep our heart in tip-top shape. But, current research is starting to show that exercise may also bolster your immune system.
Several theories also indicate that exercise flushes bacteria from the lungs and airways, increases circulation of white blood cells to faster detect illnesses, and the heat generation from exercise prevents bacterial growth.
Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night
A quality night’s sleep is going to be your best friend when it comes to improving your life.
Research has commonly been conducted on how a lack of sleep affects your immune system, but now studies have shown that getting your nightly beauty sleep may actually improve your immune system by enhancing T-cell response.
Become mindful
While we have naturally strong immune systems, they are still sensitive when we are unable to keep our body and mind functioning at high levels. Anxiety and depression are linked to a weakening immune system. Increased blood pressure and sleep disorders such as insomnia which prevent your body from being able to repair itself while sleeping.
Mindfulness practices such as yoga help to reduce blood pressure, reduce stress and improve physical and mental health all of which are important to a strong immune system.
Eating Healthy
That’s a broad statement, isn’t it? Healthy eating is less about a specific program. It is knowing what food you are putting in your body and how those choices affect your health. Some of the immune system boosting foods are such as citrus fruits and vegetables provide Vitamin C which increases the production of white blood cells.
Raw or lightly cooked broccoli provides a long list of antioxidants, and garlic has been used for thousands of years in nearly every culture for its infection-fighting properties. Eating a plant-based diet or focusing on white meats and fish can ensure you are getting the right vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost your immune system.
A strong immune system is important to ensure a healthy life. By eliminating habits such as smoking, getting quality sleep, improving your mental strength, while exercising and eating healthy you are on your way to creating a flourishing immune system.
