Who wouldn’t want to boost their immune system if they had the chance? After all, your immune system is your body’s natural defense against, well, any kind of illness or infection, and the stronger it is, the less chance there is that you’ll get sick. It’s true that genetics do play a big part in how strong your immune system is, but it’s also true that you can do plenty to strengthen it and help yourself stay healthier. With that in mind, here are just a few of the things you can do.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Your diet plays a massive part in your health, and it can strengthen (or weaken) your immune system, depending on what you eat and what quantities you consume. The best thing you can do is to have a balanced diet that contains plenty of fruit and vegetables as well as lean proteins and whole grains.
It can be a bit tricky to make the switch to a healthy diet if you don’t eat all that well right now, which is why it can be wise to try supplements and medicinal herbs like devils club, which is widely known for its immune system-boosting properties. These things can help give you a headstart while you work out how to become a healthier eater.
Stay Hydrated
Isn’t it the worst feeling when you’re dehydrated? You’ll have an awful pounding headache, your limbs will be heavy, you’ll feel as though you’ve got no energy, you might feel nauseated, and on top of all this, you’ll be causing damage to your immune system, making it weaker and making yourself vulnerable to attack from bacteria and viruses.
So why not stay hydrated instead? It sounds like a simple solution, and that’s really because it is - keep drinking water throughout the day (ideally sipping constantly rather than gulping down a few glasses at various points in the day), and your immune system can stay in good condition, and you won’t feel so terrible either.
Manage Stress
Being stressed for a long time and without any relief (otherwise known as chronic stress) can actually harm your immune system and make it work less efficiently, so as well as all the other reasons to de-stress and relax more, boosting your immune system is another one to add to the list.
That might sound like an impossible task, especially if you’ve got a stressful job or a hectic family life and lots of responsibilities, but it can be done. The key is to include stress-busting activities into your daily routine until they become a habit, and that should help to keep your stress levels as low as possible. Some ideas include doing yoga, meditating, exercising, or taking up a hobby, for example.
Practice Good Hygiene
When your hygiene leaves a little something to be desired, it can be a problem. We don’t just mean a problem for the people around you, but we mean it can actually affect your health because your immune system could be compromised.
If you can make sure you at least wash your hands with soap and water, you cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, and you take a regular shower, your immune system will build itself up better, and germs won’t have anywhere to hide.