A stronger immune system confers several benefits, allowing you to fight off illnesses quicker and feel better on a regular basis. But how can you boost your immune system in a healthy and natural way?
The Immune System: an Overview
In case you aren’t familiar, your immune system is a complex bodily system designed to help your body detect foreign invaders (like bacteria, viruses, and parasites) and remove them before they cause you harm. If your immune system does its job well, you can fight off most illnesses before they begin to affect you. Boosting the immune system, then, should give your immune system more resources and more power with which to defend your body.
In reality, this is an oversimplification. The immune system relies on a great number of different cells and different response patterns, so describing it as a single entity rarely provides an accurate picture of what’s happening in your body. On top of that, “boosting” immune cells isn’t always a good thing; in fact, overly active immune cells can result in a multitude of other health problems.
That said, there are some simple habits you can use to make sure your immune system has everything it needs to function appropriately and keep you safe.
How to Strengthen Your Immune System
These are some of the best ways to support your immune system:
Use an immune system boosting supplement
First, consider using a natural immune system boosting product like Biocidin LSF. Biocidin LSF contains a mixture of different botanical compounds that support detoxification in the body and help balance your internal microbial environment. Other supplements, like echinacea, are also purported to provide immune-boosting benefits. Always do your research and talk to your doctor before taking any supplements for your health though.
Avoid smoking and drinking
As much as possible, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Excessive consumption of these substances can weaken your immune system and put you at risk of other health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. You should work on quitting smoking as soon as possible, abandoning the habit entirely. As for drinking alcohol, you should limit it to occasional drinks and limited volume consumption.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
Try to eat a wide variety of different fruits and vegetables. To function properly, your immune system depends on a variety of different nutrients, including vitamins C and E. While it’s possible to supplement these vitamins and other nutrients your body needs, you shouldn’t have to worry about supplementations as long as you’re fitting enough fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. While you’re at it, cut down on junk food – it may not hurt your immune system directly, but less junk food is always a good thing for your health.
Move daily
Get some physical exercise every day, even if you’re just going for a brisk walk. The stimulation is good for your muscles and for your blood flow, and leads to a variety of different health benefits.
If your body is physically fit, and you’re able to maintain a healthy weight, you’ll have a much easier time fighting off infections.
Get plenty of sleep
If you don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, your immune system could suffer the consequences. Lack of sleep is highly correlated with acquiring infectious illnesses. As long as you’re getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours every night, you’ll be in good shape to fight off the worst diseases. If you’re having trouble getting that amount of sleep, consider reprioritizing certain things in your life, reducing your caffeine intake, and avoiding digital screens right before bed.
Avoid infections
Exposure to microbes can help your immune system develop better defenses against similar microbes, but being exposed to a serious illness is going to put excessive strain on your immune system. Keep yourself safe by following better food preparation guidelines, washing your hands regularly, and keeping your distance from other people who are known to be sick.
Reduce stress
Did you know that stress can also weaken your immune system? If you’re chronically or excessively stressed, you could face a higher risk of getting sick. Make sure to reduce the stress in your life however you can, such as by reducing the number of hours you work or by finding stress management strategies.
Hopefully, your immune system is already doing a pretty good job of protecting you. If you follow these basic habits and strategies, and continue pursuing a healthy lifestyle overall, your immune system can become even stronger!