The immune system is the body’s natural defense. It protects against diseases and infections by producing antibodies to attack foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses. Most of the time, a strong immune system will keep us healthy and happy. But what happens when it slips and more importantly, what can we do to support it? In this blog post, we discuss how you can strengthen your immune system with a few wellness tips.
Things You Can Do To Strengthen Your Immune System
Drink Plenty Of Water To Keep Your Body Hydrated
Water is one of the most important things in boosting the body’s natural defenses. When the immune system is working properly, it communicates with the rest of your body by sending out immune cells. These immune cells are needed for all sorts of bodily functions such as wiping away bacteria that cause colds and the flu or stopping an infection from spreading. Water helps maintain these immune cells in good condition so they can do their job well.
Take Supplements That Support Immune Health
It’s a tough world and your immune system needs all the help it can get protecting your body. You can give your immune system a boost by taking supplements. Manufacturers such as designs for health have whole ranges of immune-boosting products. One important supplement you can look out for is vitamin C.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to promote the immune response and protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. The body needs this essential nutrient to produce white blood cells necessary for fighting infection.
Stay Away From People Who Are Sick
This would seem obvious, but sometimes it can’t be avoided. You may come into contact with sick people at work, or even at home with your family. But the immune system can get seriously weakened if it is constantly fighting off an infection and trying to ward off a new one. It’s best to avoid people who are sick or have recently been sick so you don’t end up contracting their illness.
Get adequate sleep
A person needs at least seven hours of sleep every night. Sleep deprivation can lead to immune system deficiencies because the immune cells need time to rest and recover. Sleep also helps prevent chronic infections that develop over long periods by allowing immune cells to regenerate every night while you sleep. While you want to get enough sleep, do not oversleep either. Oversleeping may lead to immune system deficiencies as well.
Wash hands often with soap and warm water often
This move will reduce bacteria on the skin that could lead to infection. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first. If you don’t, you run the danger of transferring germs into the body that cause illness. This is the immune system’s first line of defense.
Don’t forget to use a hand sanitizer as well if you are in an environment where bacteria can easily spread, such as public transportation or shopping malls. Using an antibacterial soap with warm water will also reduce germs on your hands that may cause infections.
Be mindful of your diet
The immune system is made up of cells, and it needs the right nutrients to function properly. Foods rich in immune-boosting vitamins are:
- green leafy vegetables such as kale or spinach
- tomatoes
- pineapple
- Dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese
The immune system needs protein to strengthen its functioning too, so include plenty of chicken or eggs in your diet for this purpose.
Exercise regularly
You may be surprised to learn that far from running down the immune system, exercise actually strengthens it. Exercise helps immune cells reach their destination faster, and also strengthens the immune response.
Strenuous exercise is not recommended while you are sick because this will only exhaust your immune system further. However moderate exercise should be fine if you feel well enough to do so. Moderate exercises include things like walking or running for a half-hour at least three times per week.
Manage stress levels
Stress can lead to immune system deficiencies, so it’s best to manage stress levels as much as possible. Practice a few different relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga if you find that life is getting on top of you and see the benefits from doing so.
As you can see, there are many things that we all need to do to keep our immune system strong and healthy. The most important thing is drinking plenty of water every day. If you don’t it will be much easier for viruses or bacteria to invade your body.
The other important component is managing stress levels because this has been shown as an indicator of overall health status. Additionally, be mindful about your diet, the amount of sleep and exercise you are getting, and stay away from those who are already sick.
