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6 Effective Ways To Strengthen Your Immune System Naturally
By: Kratika Sat, 25 Mar 2023 12:02:13
The immune system is an essential part of our body's defense mechanism against diseases and infections. It is responsible for recognizing and fighting off harmful pathogens that enter our body. While there are many factors that can weaken our immune system, such as stress, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep, there are also many effective ways to strengthen it naturally. A strong immune system can help us maintain good health and prevent illnesses, making it essential to take care of it. In this context, let's explore some of the most effective ways to strengthen your immune system naturally, including lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and natural remedies. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can give your immune system the boost it needs to keep you healthy and thriving.
# Exercise Regularly
When it comes to exercise, the right balance is key. No exercise alone stresses the body and lowers immunity, but overtraining can result in actually suppressing the immune system. Regular exercise helps to form the foundation of healthy living. It not only helps to protect against disease but can also lower blood pressure and helps control body weight.
Physical exercise may help to flush toxins out of your airways and lungs, reducing your chances of getting sick. Exercise can also affect antibodies and white blood cells in the body. The immune system uses these white blood cells to fight off infection. Exercise can also help to slow down the release of stress hormones in the body. By lowering stress levels through exercise, you can help to protect against illness.
# Reduce Stress
It probably comes as no surprise that stress is a big one when it comes to your immune system and overall health. Research shows that stress weakens the immune system. When we’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, our body’s ability to fight off infection and invaders is reduced. Short-term suppression of the immune system isn’t a massive issue, however chronic suppression that comes from long-term stress can be a problem.
When it comes to your state of mind, stress-reduction plays a very important part in maintaining or achieving a strong immune system. Our thoughts have an incredible impact on what goes on inside of our bodies!
# Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Diet is one of the most important ways to improve and maintain strong immunity. Feeding your body the right foods while avoiding the wrong foods can go a long way in keeping you healthy. Your immune system needs regular and proper nourishment to stay at its best.
Getting high amounts of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients are vital for a healthily functioning immune system. Most people turn to vitamin C as it’s thought to help fight off a cold. Vitamin C may be able to increase the number of white blood cells which are essential in fighting off infection.
# Immune-Boosting Supplements
Although it’s best to obtain your minerals and vitamins from whole foods, some supplements can help give you the boost you need. There are some supplements that are helpful when you’re starting to feel like you’re getting sick. Taking a good quality vitamin/mineral complex is very beneficial, especially when in liquid form for easy digestibility and better absorption.
# Don’t Smoke
Cigarettes contain over 70 known cancer-causing chemicals. Smoking not only increases your risk of cancer but it can also impact your immune system. Smoking is thought to negatively affect the immune system and increase your chances of developing harmful immune responses.
Smoking gives you greater susceptibility to things like flu and pneumonia. It can also result in longer-lasting illnesses. Smoking can cause lower levels of antioxidants in the blood too. Overall, smoking isn’t good for your health or your immune system. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve smoked for, you can benefit from quitting.
# Get Plenty of Sleep
Like many areas of your health, sleep can have a massive impact. Getting regular high-quality sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Research shows that people who regularly don’t get enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus. A lack of sleep also affects the amount of time it takes to get healthy after being ill.
Try to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Things like going to sleep and waking up at the same time, a bedtime routine, and a digital cut-off time can all help you get your needed sleep hours and feel well-rested.