A strong immune system allows your body to fight against diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. Even healthy people may fall sick if the immunity level falls even for a small period when the bacteria, viruses, and pathogens are also on the rise and active. However, there are natural ways by which one can maintain high levels of immunity.
In this article, we will discuss how to boost your immune system naturally.
Healthy Food
Antioxidants are believed to boost our immune system more than anything else can and these are found in abundance in vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants efficiently fight free radicals, known for suppressing the immune system and damaging DNA. Eating saturated fat found in dairy and meat should be avoided in favor of healthy fats — found in flaxseed, oily fish (Omega-3 fatty acids). The healthy fats boost the production of compounds that regulate the body’s immune system. Drinking sufficient amounts of water keeps cells hydrated and they are able to do their job efficiently. As a result, the body can process the food more efficiently, and also eliminate the waste without giving it a chance to affect the body’s immune system. Garlic and ginger are known to fight bacteria and viruses, besides having anti-inflammatory properties.
Maintain Hygiene
Maintaining high standards of hygiene alone can prevent bacterial and viral infections to a great extent. You should wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before cooking or eating. You should follow the same washing ritual after sneezing, coughing, touching common spaces, and using the bathroom.
Daily Workout
Incorporating regular workouts into our daily routine has many benefits. One of these benefits is it stimulates the immune cells and makes them work more efficiently. Medium intensity exercises can help the body prevent the growth of cancer cells, besides fighting viral and bacterial infections. This kind of exercise results in fewer events of illnesses, systemic inflammation even among the elderly. On the other hand, high-intensity workouts tend to weaken the immune system.
Reduce Stress
Studies suggest that short-term stress can stimulate the immune defense system while chronic stress may weaken the immune functions and increase the possibility of falling sick. The good news is that you can take suitable measures to address chronic stress. Trying to relax through yoga, meditation, singing, dancing can produce good results.
Good Sleep
Another easy way to boost your immunity is by sleeping a full eight hours each night. This works as a stress-buster and relaxes the body and mind. As a combined result, the body’s immune system works more efficiently. Studies have shown that people with a sleep disorder or people who do not sleep for at least six hours each night are more likely to have cold and respiratory problems.
Herbs & Green Tea
Many experts recommend green tea to improve one’s immunity. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some herbs and supplements such as Vitamin C can also boost immunity to some extent. Some common spices and herbs such as turmeric, pepper, astragalus, elderberry, and echinacea are also believed to boost immune functions.
Final Thoughts
If you pay enough attention to your health, you must be practicing some of the measures described here to keep yourself fit and healthy. These are the ways how to boost your immune system naturally.