Did you know that 70% of the body’s immune system is located in the gut? The foods we eat and how we take care of our bodies affect the inner workings of this. Eating well is just one part of staying healthy.
The immune system requires a delicate balance of the many intricate systems within the body. Each system depends upon the other to function properly and the immune system is no exception.
So, how else can you boost your immune system? Continue reading for 5 tips on how to do so!
1. Eat More Whole Foods
Whole foods like fruits and vegetables are packed with fiber and microbes. By incorporating more whole foods into your diet, you’re essentially supporting the healthy gut bacteria which helps your body thrive. These combine to create the perfect recipe for improving your immune system.
Nutrients and fiber are crucial to feeding and keeping the healthy bacteria in your gut thriving, thus fending off illness.
2. Get More Sleep
Getting a full night’s rest may feel like an impossible task sometimes, however, good sleep is necessary for letting our bodies heal and can help prevent sickness.
As we sleep, our body and brain are using those hours to repair and restore equilibrium lost throughout the day. Our brains remove accumulated toxins while we sleep, but the brain also needs rest in order to learn and create while we sleep.
Sleep also allows the cells in our bodies to repair and grow, allowing processes such as muscle repair and tissue growth to happen. The immune system also uses this downtime to repair. Sleep allows the body time to make crucial infection-fighting proteins.
3. Limit Sugar
Sugar is a huge inflammatory ingredient and has been linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Excessive sugar consumption hinders our body’s ability to fight infection.
How so? The white blood cells in our body fight off infection, but when sugar is consumed, white blood cells are less able to do their job. Bacteria and viruses then have a better chance of overtaking the immune system as the white blood cells have been weakened.
4. Hydrate
We’ve all heard the advice to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. In the case of boosting the immune system, this advice rings true.
Dehydration leads to a variety of physical ailments such as poor digestion, inability to focus, and poor heart function. Even more serious complications from dehydration include seizures and kidney problems.
Any of these complications and physical ailments bring an increased susceptibility to getting sick.
5. Use Supplements
It can be difficult at times to get all of the necessary vitamins and minerals you need from food. When this is the case, utilizing certain supplements and taking vitamins can help strengthen your immune system and prevent illness.
What are the best vitamins to take for immune system response? Common vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin D are helpful, as well as zinc and elderberry. Some less common ideas may include echinacea or tf supplements.
Don’t Wait to Boost Your Immune System
The immune system is complex and requires a delicate balance to operate as it should. By utilizing the tips above, you can be sure to boost your immune system when it needs it.
Managing your overall health will in turn help your immune system response operate as it should.
For more tips and tricks on how to enrich your health, feel free to browse through any of the articles we offer in our Frugal Living section!