The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism, and without it, you are open to a lot of foreign invaders. How strong your body’s immune system is will determine how open you are to some infections, and how long they are likely to remain with you.
The strength of our immune systems vary, which is why an individual may be more liable to a respiratory infection, compared to another. You can boost your immune system through several means; this is encouraged, in order to increase the action of your immune system against invading pathogens. Below are 3 amazingly effective but simple ways to boost your immune system:
1. Get enough sleep and manage stress
The world we live in today is one filled with so much stress that if you are not careful, you will get easily worn out. When you deprive yourself of adequate sleep, your cortisol levels are raised, and this can suppress immune function.
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables
To get a well improved immune system, you have to eat right, and fruits and vegetables do the trick. Generally, fruits and vegetable are nutrient-filled, but to get the best out of them, you can opt for those rich in vitamin A, C, and E. Vitamin A stimulates the white blood cells in the body to fight off infections and also regulates the immune system.
Vitamin C works on the improvement of iron absorption from foods and supports the immune system greatly to fight against disease. Vitamin E, on the other hand, fights flu and upper respiratory infections. You can get vitamin A from carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens; vitamin C from citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and the likes; vitamin E from nuts, seeds, etc.
Taking a balanced diet of mixed fruits and vegetables, will help to fight against diseases and infections. You can also take multivitamins, but not without the prescription of a physician, to avoid certain adverse effects.
3. Catch some sun rays
Once in a while, allow yourself to be exposed to the sun, as sunlight has been shown to trigger the skin’s production of vitamin D. Deficiency in vitamin D increases the risk of respiratory infection, and just enough of it helps to reduce the risk of influenza A. However, during summer, about 10 to 15 minute exposure is enough in a day.
To stay healthy and reduce your risk of certain infections, it’s best you boost your immune system, and above are some of the simple but effective steps you should try out.
image couresy: juicemigourmet.com, health.harvard.edu, brendadavisrd.com.
