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How can you boost your immune system? Generally, your immune system does an amazing job defending you against infections. But sometimes, it fails: When microorganisms successfully invade your immune system, you get sick. So is possible to boost your immune system? Yes, it is and I will mention 10 holistic ways to boost your immune system.
Your immune system is precisely – a system not an entity and must be done holistically. For your immune system to function well, it needs harmony and balance. This is why researchers have explored exercise, diets, stress levels and other factors that will be mentioned in this post
For this reason, I will give you 10 holistic ways to boost your immune system. Get your immune system ready to fight come rain, come shine.
Table of Contents
10 Holistic Ways To Boost Your Immune System
1. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes per day will stimulate circulation and allow your immune system to function properly. Try to make your exercise as easy as possible so it doesn’t seem like a chore. Do something you enjoy like dancing, hiking, biking, rope jumping and so on.
If you have not exercised before and you are just getting started, take a minute or two out of your day and start increasing your momentum. You will start feeling great.
If you exercise regularly, then try changing it up to something more fun. Go outside for basketball, tennis, football or any sport that you love. The most important thing here is to make daily exercise a habit.
2. Maintain A Healthy Weight
Quite a number of people are scared to check their weight but it is vital that you do it regularly. So get a scale and weigh yourself. Set attainable goals for yourself. A weight loss of 1 or 2 pounds a week seems more attainable than 25 pounds a month. Remember, it takes a drop of water to build an ocean. Don’t set yourself up for instant gratification from “lose 25 pounds in one week ads”. Make your weight maintenance goal attainable and do it every day.
Know your BMI (Body Mass Index). It is calculated in your weight(Kg)/Height(m2). If you are not so certain about your BMI, you can speak to your doctor about it or use the online BMI calculator. Being overweight or underweight can increase inflammation which in turn affects the immune system.
Start small, and have your family and friends support you to maintain a healthy weight. The rewards are great and you will start feeling a lot more energetic.
3. Eat Colorful Foods
I am not saying to start adding colourings to your food. I mean a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. If you have children, teach them to start eating colourful foods. The vitamins and nutrients help boost the immune system. Especially food is rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, Selenium and zinc.
Cut down on eating or drinking junk or processed foods. They reduce the function of the white blood cells by 40% thereby making the immune system sluggish.
4. Drink More Water And Juice
It’s a no-brainer that drinking water and juice are good for your body as well as your immune system, You can even spice up your water by adding lime, and small honey with cinnamon. This combination is high in vitamin C to boost your immune system. It is also high in potassium which feeds your brains and nerve cells.
5. Quit Smoking
One of the main reasons why smoking causes cancer is the suppressant of the immune system. Cigarettes contain nicotine plus other 16 more chemicals which produce free radicals that deplete the antioxidant levels making the body susceptible to diseases that should have been cleared easily.
6. Pre And Pro-Biotics
Eating food that can help feed and boost the good bacteria in your body is a great way to boost your immune system. This way, inflammation is decreased. You feel good and your immune system is happy with the environment you’ve set it to be.
Prebiotic foods include onions, garlic, artichokes, unripe bananas, corn, rolled oats and cold potatoes. While probiotics include yoghurt, kombucha, and tempeh.
7. Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands every time to keep pathogens at bay. Viruses can spread when you touch your face, eat and cook with unwashed hands. Wash your hands every time you are about to start a task. If you cannot find water around, you can use hand sanitisers.
Since washing your hands rids dirt and pathogens off, you should also pay attention so you don’t overdry your hands. Dry hands could get irritated from too much hand washing. To prevent your hands from getting excessively dry when washing, read best hand creams for dry hands.
8. Get Regular Sleep
The relationship between sleep and the immune system is bidirectional. Meaning, that the immune response caused by viral infection affects sleep patterns. While a good night’s sleep strengthens the immune system.
Lack of sleep throws the immune system off balance which may eventually make you sick. Read more about sleep deprivation
9. Wear Your Jacket Or You Will Catch A Cold
There is a reason every mother says this phrase “Wear your jacket or you will catch a cold!”. This is because cold and flu are synonymous. Scientists have documented an increase in upper respiratory tract infections in skiers who exercise vigorously in cold. Also, during the cold season, the influenza virus stays airborne longer when the air is cold and less humid making you catch infection faster.
So you should definitely bundle up if you are going outside to boost your immunity.
10. Reduce Stress
When stress drags for a long time, it begins to affect your immune system – making you vulnerable to colds and infections. Try to meditate, slow down, connect with other people or do the things you love. This will help you sleep better and improve your immune system function.
Conclusion
These 10 steps will help you boost your immune system. I hope you found this post helpful.
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wombatjambalayaoberon31620 says
These are great tips. I definitely need to try a few of them like taking pre and pro biotic. Thank you for sharing.
Rayo says
Awesome ??. Thanks for reading
Aaliyah says
I definitely need to drink more water, I found that carrying a water bottle with me at all times has helped me to drink more and it’s definitely made me feel better! X
Eri Tz says
These are great tips here Rayo! I have to admit that I do follow them all for the last two years snd have noticed a huge difference on my energy levels and my mood. Sometimes I loose it a bit with my sleeping habits but I am working on it. Thank you for sharing them!
bournemouthgirl says
These are some really great tips to help boost your immune system in a different way! Thank you for sharing your suggestions!
Lauren – http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
wombatjambalayaoberon31620 says
So much great information about boosting your immune system. Thank you for sharing.
Headphonesthoughts says
Working out is great. I also take daily vitamins and herbs to help boost my immune system.
Jodie | That Happy Reader says
These are all great ways to keep ourselves healthy! Thanks for sharing.
CristinaR says
These are all amazing tips! Really need to implement my intake of water and juice as well as pre and pro probiotics! Thank you for sharing! x
Becky says
Some great tips! I’m all about holistic living so i loved this.