Health is everything. It is the foundation of a successful life, and the basis of happiness, and fortune. However, good health is one of those things that people tend to take for granted until something threatens it.
When it comes to protecting your health, a thriving, stronger, and active immune system is essential. Here are a few natural ways to keep your immune system healthy.
1) Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help boost the immune system. As per this study regular exercise mobilizes immune system cells and protects a person against viral and flu infections. In fact, it takes just a small amount of exercise to help boost immunity. Therefore, attending a yoga class a few times a week, or going for a short run or stroll regularly, can help keep you both physically fit and help strengthen your immune system. Another benefit of regular exercise is that it can flush bacteria out of the lungs by allowing the immune system to detect illness early on.
2) Stress Reduction
Chronic stress is harmful to the immune system. As per the same study, prolonged exposure to stress can wear down the immune system and increase a person’s vulnerability to illness. This is why if a person is suffering from chronic stress, it is important to address that stress head on. To keep your stress levels in check, try incorporating regular meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily life. These mindful methods can help minimize the stress by evening out your emotional landscape.
3) Sound Sleep and Hygiene
It may seem obvious to some, but lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and its responses to vaccines. Therefore, try getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. A good nights rest helps regulate immune function. So if you are having some trouble falling to sleep, try listening to some relaxing music before bedtime.
Another healthy habit to prevent sickness is good hygiene. This may seem obvious too, but its important to practice good personal hygiene by washing your hands for 15 to 20 seconds before preparing food and eating. Wash hands after using bathroom, coughing, sneezing or touching public surfaces. And avoid sharing personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush, comb, or razor with others.
4) A Balanced Diet
Food is thy medicine. And a nutritious diet is essential in order to support a strong immune system. A diet that is rich in antioxidants is a healthy diet for the liver. The liver is the first line of immune defense and its role is to clear, capture and detect bacteria, viruses and macromolecules. An antioxidant rich diet includes fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. And foods, such as garlic, has virus-fighting and bacteria-killing properties, and ginger has a natural anti-inflammatory property. Additionally, remember to stay hydrated, which helps every cell in the body operate at its best.
5) Herbs and Supplements
There are several vitamins and minerals that support the immune system. Taking zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C regularly help boost immunity when suffering from chronic infections and illnesses. Natural herbal supplements such as astragalus, echinacea, and elderberry are known to help reduce the duration and severity of sickness. However, those should be taken as soon as you start to experience cold or flu symptoms.
6) Soak Up Some Sun
A little bit of Vitamin D is an immunity supercharger. It takes only 15 to 20 minutes of sun exposure to get more than enough daily vitamin D that a person needs for a strong immune system.
7) Moderate Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health issues. It can damage liver cells and scar the liver. So drink in moderation.
8) Stop the Habit of Smoking
Smoking impairs the immune system. Smoking can create a negative impact on both adaptive and innate immunity. By smoking, you reduce the effectiveness of your immune system and increase the risk of cancer.
Age more gracefully by taking these natural steps to boost your immune system through diet, exercise and a more mindful daily routine. A strong immune system will help prevent the development of life-threating diseases. So, take good care of yourself, live long and prosper.