Our immune system is usually very reliable, however, there will be times it fails us. Being a complex system, it can be difficult to pinpoint how to strengthen it. Below, you’ll find some of the ways we are able to boost our chances of a healthier and stronger body on the inside! FILLING UP WITH THE RIGHT FUEL If you’re a little confused as to how to begin strengthening your immune system, then examining your diet should be your first point of focus. Swapping fast foods for whole foods and incorporating fruit + veg into your diet are fantastic and simple starting points. Fats are good for your immune system - saturated fats like coconut oil and avocado and great, but avoid trans fats and vegetable oil like the plague! ELIMINATE BAD HABITS The battle to boost the immune system is just as much mental as it is physical. While your diet may be heading in the right direction, there can be other possible variables that leave you feeling apathetic or even ill. Moderating alcohol consumption (as it effectively dehydrates the body) and quitting smoking are proven methods to strengthen your immune system. VITALIZE WITH YOUR VITAMINS As we always reiterate, knowledge is power. Researching and recognizing what certain vitamins do for your immune system can create a pathway towards better health. Check out the table below for some handy hints! Vitamin Benefits Vitamin A Decreased risk of infectious disease General maintenance of the immune system Formation/maintenance of soft tissue & white blood cells Vitamin B2 Potential resistance to bacterial infection Vitamin D Regulation of calcium and phosphorus absorption May provide protection against diabetes and multiple sclerosis Zinc (essential for human health) Activation of T cells (which controls immune response & attacks cancerous cells) GET CONSISTENT WITH YOUR SLEEPING PATTERNS There have been extensive studies undertaken regarding the immune system and how it is impacted by varying sleep patterns. Getting insufficient amounts of sleep is a surefire way to increase your levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which will wreak havoc on your immune system. Although it is not definitively known how sleep benefits the immune system, it’s a must-have on your list even if only for general health! UP YOUR EXERCISE! Yes, more exercise will help your immune system. If you are not a particularly active person and fall sick often, low impact exercise such as jogging or running can strengthen your body’s reaction against these illnesses. This is through the formation of macrophages, which are thought to be the cells that combat upper respiratory bacterias! Don’t go too hard though, excessive physical activity can hinder this process!
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