Your immune system plays an important role in your overall health. A healthy immune system
keeps you away from infectious microbes and serious illnesses.
Your
lifestyle can affect how well your immune system can protect you from pathogens
like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Replacing bad health habits with good ones
can help keep your immune system strong and healthy.
Here are
eight ways to strengthen your immune system.
1. Add fruits and vegetables to your meal
Fruits
and vegetables are good sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants
that are important for good health. Adding them to your meal can give the right
amount of nutrients your body needs.
Vitamin C is the most-known antioxidant
that combats free radicals and helps white blood cells to function better.
Eating citrus fruits and carrots can give you an adequate amount of Vitamin C
essential for immune system function.
Berries of all kinds are also
excellent for promoting a healthy immune response.
2. Quit smoking
Smoking cigarettes weakens your immune
defenses thereby increasing vulnerability to bacterial infection and raising the
risk of heart disease, pneumonia, and other lung infection.
Do yourself a favor – quit smoking for
good.
3. Exercise regularly
According to a group of researchers
from the University of North Carolina, USA, individuals who exercise regularly
are less likely to catch colds. Try to engage in moderate regular exercises
like brisk walking, biking, and stretching, for about 15-30 minutes a day.
Exercise not only boosts your immune
system, but it also improves your mood. Look for easy ways to work out, even at
work.
4. Avoid alcoholic beverages
Excessive consumption of alcoholic
beverages undermines the immune system and increases the risk of getting
respiratory tract infections. Drinking makes it easier for the bacteria to pass
through the lungs from the top part of the nose.
If you can’t avoid it, at least, drink
moderately.
5. Have enough sleep
You may have noticed that you usually
catch a cold when you don’t have enough sleep. Sleep deprivation lowers
immunity level thereby making someone weak and sick.
Lack of sleep may also lead to more
inflammation in your body which can then lead to serious health problems. It
can put you at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Getting enough sleep is vital in
overall health.
6. Wash your hands frequently
Maintaining good hygiene is the
primary way to prevent infections. Washing your hands well can keep the
bacteria and viruses at bay.
Wash your hands before cooking and
eating food, after using the toilet, after sneezing and blowing your nose, and
after doing dirty tasks. Clean hands thoroughly with soap or sanitizer.
Rub it around your hands including your fingertips, under your nails, and your
wrists.
7. Avoid stress
A great variety of diseases like acid
reflux, hives, and heart disease are linked to the effects of emotional stress.
Prolonged exposure to chronic stress weakens the immune system.
Combat stress by having enough sleep,
engaging in recreational activities like hiking and fishing, and avoiding toxic
people. Connect with other people who radiate positive energy.
8. Maintain a healthy weight
Improve your health by maintaining a
healthy weight. Be more physically active and follow a well-balanced diet.
Devote yourself by observing closely your calorie intake while keeping your
body in good shape.
You can boost your immune system by
choosing a healthy lifestyle. You can strengthen your body’s natural defenses
by fine-tuning certain aspects of your daily routine and following the eight
ways mentioned above.
Choose to be healthy and boost your
immunity.
NOTE: This post was first published by me on pinasbalita.org
Do you know other ways to boost your immune system? Tell us in the comments section below.
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