It is unpleasant when we are sick. It prevents you from doing many things, from your daily routine to the things you love the most. You probably know the simple solution – stay healthy. Of course, that is much easier said than done. You may know the things you should do to have a healthy body and a strong immune system, but it's so easy to forget them. That's especially true when you are busy with work and other responsibilities.
Paradoxically, when you're almost always all over the place is when you most need to have a strong immune system. Otherwise, you'll come down with a bad cold (or something worse) before you realize it. So, before you reach that point, it is best to be mindful of your health and to nourish your immune system.
Why is Having A Robust Immune System So Important?
Every day, you are exposed to many adverse environmental elements, especially when you often go outside. When you commute, you are side by side with many people and pollutants. Your immune system is what protects you from disease-causing microorganisms out there. It recognizes them as foreign objects that shouldn't be in your body and fights them to keep you safe.
What To Do To Boost Your Immune System As Quickly As Possible
There are times, however, that viruses, bacteria, and germs can get into your body successfully. Frequent colds, fatigue, upset stomach, persistent infections-these are some of the signs that you have a weak immune system. Simply put, your immune system can become both depleted and overwhelmed by constant attacks.
So, you must act fast to restore it to a healthy state. Unfortunately, most things take time, including boosting your immune system. So it is important to be proactive all the time.
Here's what you can do to make sure you keep your immune system is ready to respond promptly and effectively when required.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet of whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, will help ensure that you get the nutrients that your body needs. Pay extra attention to foods that are rich in immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals such as zinc, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin B-complex. Avoid junk foods, particularly those that are high in sugar and artificial flavors.
Drink More Water
Water does many essential things for your body, so it is important to keep yourself hydrated properly. Water helps your systems to function by carrying oxygen to your cells. It also flushes toxins from your body. Drinking more water when you are sick is even more essential when your immune system is hard at work fighting off any infection.
Get A Good Night's Sleep
Next to water, we can't emphasize enough why having a quality sleep is important. Your body works hard during the day, so it needs time to repair at night. When you sleep, your body heals the cells, organs, and muscles. It is also when chemicals that support your immune functions get circulated throughout your system.
Don't Smoke
Smoking can weaken your immune system, given the toxins it brings. When your defense system is compromised, your body is more prone to viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that can lead to sicknesses.
Drink Alcohol Moderately, or Not at All
When you drink too much alcohol, it weakens your immune system. Because your body is intoxicated, your immune system is busy trying to detoxify it, so other regular immune responses are compromised. When that happens, you are more prone to illnesses, and it takes longer for you to recover.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise not only makes you physically stronger, but it can also help boost your immune system. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which reduce stress levels. Physical activities enable your body to be more vital so that it can rapidly distribute immune cells where they are most needed.
Take Supplements
Your body needs adequate nutrients to support various functions, especially the immune system. While it is important to get them by eating fresh foods, sometimes they are not enough, or not readily available. Taking supplements can help you supply your body with the vitamins and minerals that it is lacking.
Avoid and Manage Stress
Some situations trigger your body to produce cortisol, a stress hormone, which allows you to respond accordingly. However, chronic stress can lead to persistent levels of cortisol, which prevents your immune system from doing its job. Keeping your stress levels at a minimum, or learning techniques to reduce your stress response is a must so that your immune system will not be compromised.
The Takeaway
These tips sound simple, but admittedly, they are so easy to overlook or be given a low priority. If you're feeling stressed, always tired, and often get sick, it's essential to start paying attention to keeping your immune system healthy.
