Most secrets to securing your health are not secrets at all, but common-sense. Your first line of defence is to intentionally choose a healthy lifestyle. Being mindful of good health practices is the best step anyone can take towards naturally boosting their immune system.
The immune system is made up of a complex and vital network of cells and organs that protect the body from infection. Its purpose is to keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi, out of the body, and to destroy any infectious microorganisms that enter the body. Your entire body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from these microbes. Here are some healthy lifestyle habits you can adopt to keep your immune system strong.
- Manage your diet
One of the best ways to stay healthy is by choosing an array of foods that help boost your immune system. This includes foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. These foods are an essential part of maintaining a strong immune system to help ward off infection and illness. Some examples are citrus fruits, broccoli, spinach, Greek yogurt, and almonds.
- Keep moving
Staying active by following a regular exercise routine does more than just keep you fit. Light to moderate exercise boosts our body’s natural immune system by circulating defensive cells through the body faster, to attack and eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Get enough sleep
When it comes to your health, sleep plays a very important role. To stay healthy, especially during the influenza season, it is recommended that you get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. This will help keep your immune system in top shape and can protect you from other health issues including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
- Skip the alcohol
Research has shown that drinking alcohol can weaken the immune system and make the body more susceptible to infections. When you drink a lot of alcohol, it can negatively affect the way health gut microbes interact with the immune system. Alcohol also disrupts the gut barrier, allowing more bacteria to pass into the blood.
- Say no to stress
Knowing how to manage your stress can make a big difference between you becoming susceptible to illness and disease. It’s a known fact that stress can weaken the immune system and accelerate the aging process. The ability to relax and rejuvenate promotes health and vitality.
- Drink green tea
Green tea is packed with highly powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants strengthen our bodies by raising our immune system and gives our bodies the defense they need from fighting illnesses like the common cold and even serious diseases.
It’s easy to take the immune system for granted because it does such a good job at keeping us free from infection around the clock. It’s vital that your immune system is in good working order if you want to stay as protected as possible. If you’ve got a healthy immune system, look after it and it will look after you.