Immune System Support: 8 Simple Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Did you know that our bodies contain more bacteria than cells? Bacteria outnumber the cells that make us human by more than 50%. If this fact makes your skin crawl, don’t worry.
There are plenty of good bacteria that actually promote wellness.
As colder weather rolls in, though, lots of people are more susceptible to catching the cold or flu. In our fast-paced society, it’s understandable why people want to know more about immune system support so an illness won’t slow them down.
If you want to stay happy and healthy this fall, use these 8 tips to boost your immune system.
1. Stock Up on Fruits and Vegetables
Building up immune systems is as easy as striving to meet the daily recommended values for fruits and vegetables. It may sound too good to be true, but food is the most potent natural medicine.
Fruits and vegetables have a high water content, which helps your body flush out toxins. Additionally, produce is chock-full of vitamins and antioxidants. Fruits high in vitamin C like oranges, pineapples, and berries will kick your immune system into full gear.
A good way to know the health of your internal organs is to monitor your skin. Since your skin is an external organ, it can act as a window into your body. The more fruits and vegetables you eat, the more you will glow.
2. Strengthen Immune System While You Sleep
If you want to know how to boost your immune system effortlessly, all you have to do is get some shut-eye. It sounds easy, but too many people fail to make sleep a priority. If you aim to get 8 hours of sleep every night, you’re giving your body the time it needs to repair itself.
Some other wonderful benefits of sleep include weight loss, improved mood and memory, and reduced inflammation to name a few. While it may be tempting to stay up an extra hour to watch tv or scroll through social media, that hour could be the difference between waking up refreshed or miserable.
3. Take Care of Your Mental Health
If you don’t think that your mental health is as important as your physical health, then you’re making yourself susceptible to mood disorders, chronic illness, and stress. When you don’t have a grip on your mental health, your physical health will start to suffer, too.
Exercises like yoga work four-fold for your wellbeing. Yoga combines cardio, muscle toning, flexibility, and meditation. Even after a 15-minute session, your body and mind will feel renewed. Managing your stress through any healthy outlet is vital for your immune system, so finding an activity you enjoy will help you stick with it.
4. Investigate Immune System Support Supplements
There are hundreds of supplements on the market that are advertised as a magic pill. While there is no quick fix for your health, there are plenty of legitimate supplements that are proven to boost your immune system.
One helpful supplement that you’ve probably never heard of is Beta Glucan. Although you may not be familiar with it, it’s well-studied. To learn more about the studies on the health benefits of Beta Glucan, check out Nature’s Choice.
5. Eat Medicinal Foods
Fruits and vegetables aren’t the only foods you should focus on eating more. Certain herbs and fungi have been used to treat all kinds of health issues for centuries.
If you love Italian food or you’re afraid of vampires, rejoice in the fact that garlic is a powerful antibacterial agent that is proven to kill germs.
Other honorable mentions include mushrooms, cinnamon, ginger, and almonds. Drinking tea that offers a blend of herbs is an easy way to give your body an extra kick. A twist of lemon can also incorporate vitamin C into your drink.
6. Drink More Water
While it’s true that our bodies are more bacteria than cells, the sum of our parts is almost two-thirds water. When you get dehydrated, your body isn’t able to carry out its regular functions effectively.
Not only will dehydration lead to mental disorders, weight gain, and sluggishness, but you’re also more at risk of getting sick.
If you’re someone who struggles to remember to drink water, get into the habit of carrying a water bottle everywhere you go. Each hour, try to take a few sips even if you don’t feel thirsty. Your body, mind, and immune system will thank you.
7. Soak Up Some Sun
The reason why vitamin D is so important is because it plays a vital role in every function of the body. Scientists have actually reported that vitamin D is closer to acting as a hormone than a vitamin. The only problem is unlike hormones, our bodies don’t produce vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to all kinds of health problems. Believe it or not, a weak immune system is one of the more mild symptoms.
When the weather starts to get chilly, our instinct is to bundle up inside. While it’s important to stay warm, going outside for 10 minutes a day can help you avoid a vitamin D deficiency.
If you can’t bear the cold, make sure you eat enough foods that contain vitamin D. Healthy sources include fatty fish, eggs, mushrooms, and enriched foods like cereal and juice.
8. Boost Immune System with Exercise
Everyone knows that exercise is necessary for heart health and maintaining a healthy weight, but moving your body can work wonders for your immune system, too.
When our heart rate elevates, we breathe in more oxygen. As our cells absorb the oxygen, waste is efficiently removed.
Exercise also lowers blood pressure and strengthens your heart, which improves circulation. When the blood that carries nutrients, antibodies, and white blood cells circulates easily, our immune system does a better job.
Striving for 30 minutes of cardio (which doesn’t have to be consecutive) a day can cleanse your body, reduce inflammation, and alleviate your stress. The added benefit of breaking a sweat is that you’ll reach for your water bottle more often.
Want More Helpful Tips?
Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to know about immune system support, you can fight off any sickness this fall. BigStridz is here to help you live your live to the fullest.
For more information on self-help, mindfulness, and more, check out our blog.