We all know that our immune systems play a crucial role in health, protecting us from harmful substances, germs, and cell changes that can cause sickness. Often, people ask how they can best improve the functioning of their immune system. After all, an effective immune system means less sickness and that we often feel better. Here are five proven ways to improve your immune system.
Eat a Well Balanced Diet
You may be surprised to learn that your diet is a powerful way to strengthen your immune system. The Harvard School of Public Health notes that a diet lacking in important micronutrients can harm your body’s immune response and production of antibodies.
Supplementing your immune system with a nutritious diet requires eating a wide variety of foods and minimally processed foods. Probiotics such as yogurt, kimchi, and miso are helpful as are other foods such as garlic, bananas, citrus, broccoli, and spinach. As a general rule, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy lifestyle and to strengthen your immune response.
Take Vitamin C
If your mother told you to take Vitamin C when you were feeling sick, there is a good reason. It is an important micronutrient for strengthening the immune system. It helps facilitate repair of tissue and can decrease the length and severity of illnesses. Research has shown that Vitamin C deficiency leads to greater susceptibility to infections.
However, you should not just take Vitamin C when you feel sick. You should take it consistently to strengthen your immune system. Nuvi–C is a great way to easily get a high daily dose of Vitamin C. It can be easily mixed into water as a tasty, refreshing drink!
Get Enough Sleep
If you feel like you are not getting enough sleep, you aren’t alone. The Centers for Disease Control note that one-third of adults fail to get the necessary sleep on a regular basis. This can have a number of negative effects including increasing risk for stroke, heart disease, depression, and aging. It can also cause havoc on your immune system.
Studies have shown that people who consistently don’t get good sleep are more likely to get sick when exposed to viruses. Allotting time for sleep and creating a bedtime routine can help you prioritize rest.
Stress Less
People often feel overly stressed due to work, relationships, and financial reason. This is problematic as the Cleveland Clinic shows that excess stress can lead to inflammation and an overworked immune system that cannot provide proper protection.
Taking care of your stress can facilitate greater wellness and immune health. Identify your stress triggers and work on calming your stress response. Things like yoga and meditation are often helpful. Additionally, many people have found that Adrenal Support can enhance stress relief by putting your mind and body in a calm, restful state and increasing serotonin levels.
Stay Active
Being active is a key way to promote a healthy lifestyle while also strengthening your immune system. In addition to having many health-related benefits, regular exercise help flush bacteria out of the lungs, prevents bacterial growth, and makes your white blood cells circulate quicker, helping them identify potential problems. It is recommended that all adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week or 75 minutes of intense exercise weekly. Find an activity you enjoy and find time to include it into your schedule.
