The immune system is one of the body’s most important features. Without one, we would not be able to survive for long. We live in a world covered with bacteria and viruses, some of which can be life-threatening. If you can boost your immune system and keep it functioning at its best, you can protect your health and well-being. Here are a few ways you can boost your immune system how.
With Vitamin D
Though it enters the body as a vitamin, when it is metabolised by the body, Vitamin D becomes a hormone. In recent years, research has shown that a deficiency in Vitamin D can have a number of negative health effects, including a compromised or weak immune system. The role of the hormone produced by Vitamin D had been underestimated for some time. It can actually boost the performance and strength of your body’s immune system and provide other health benefits too.
As our bodies age, our immune systems can begin to underperform. Adding Vitamin D to our healthcare regimen helps compensate for this natural downturn in immune system performance. If you had chicken pox as a child, you are more susceptible to an outbreak of shingles. This happens when our immune system is weak and the dormant varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles to attack the body.
With Diet And Exercise
There are a number of massive health benefits that come from a sensible diet balanced with regular exercise. Losing weight and improving cardio health are two obvious ones, but your immune system is also affected by diet and exercise. Getting regular exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, and maintaining a balanced diet will help keep your immune system in good shape as well as your body.
Physical exercise has physical and psychological benefits, both of which help boost the immune system. Feelings of anxiety and depression can both be alleviated by exercise, and anxiousness and depression both negatively impact your immune system’s performance. Excess body fat has many negative health impacts. It can lead to high blood pressure, heart conditions, and diabetes. Maintaining a healthy body weight also helps keep your immune system fighting fit to protect you from illness.
With Rest And Relaxation
Stress, anxiety, and depression can all suppress the immune system and reduce its effectiveness. Your immune system requires energy to function too, and if you are run down or over-stretched it can make you more susceptible to illness and infection. By making sure you rest, relax, and make time for self-care, you can help prevent sicknesses by boosting your immune system. Practising yoga helps strengthen your immune system and your muscular core.
Sleep is also important to your immune system. We spend a third of the day asleep, or at least we aim to. Getting a regular amount of deep and restful sleep can have many benefits to the mind and body, but crucially it helps the immune system to function. Invest in your rest, and you are investing in your health. Spend a little extra time and money making sure your sleep space is comfortable, cosy, and the perfect place to rest. Get a better mattress, or upgrade your bedding and set yourself a sleep schedule.
With Probiotic Supplements
It has long been known that taking probiotic supplements, including probiotic yoghurts, can improve gut health and digestion. Recent research also suggests that they can help boost the immune system too and make it more resilient to bacteria and viruses. This gives probiotics a two-for-one benefit to your health, and they are easy to fit into your daily routine or health regimen.
Probiotic yoghurts can be taken in the morning with your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, and perhaps some medications. If yoghurt is not your thing there are probiotic tablets that have the same effect on both the digestive system and your immune system. Some people can experience a reaction from taking probiotics, such as bloating, excess digestive gas, or even an allergic reaction. If you experience these symptoms you should stop taking probiotic supplements.
Without Alcohol, Tobacco, Or Other Substances
Alcohol, tobacco products, and prohibited substances all have serious short-term and long-term negative health impacts. These products are regulated or prohibited for both physical and psychological health reasons. You may be aware of the common conditions and mental health issues that can be associated with these substances, but they also have a detrimental effect on your immune system.
Smoking tobacco has some significant long-term health impacts, and reducing the effectiveness of your immune system is one of them. Alcohol also suppresses the immune system and can cause reactions and inflammations. Many people experience a reddening of the skin, itchiness, bloating, or poor digestion when they have consumed certain types of alcohol. This can often be an allergy to alcohol that prompts an immune response.
A healthy immune system is vital to maintaining a healthy body. You will have added protection against any virus, bacteria, or infection if your immune system and your body are in good shape and fighting fit.
