These days, you can find all sorts of tablets, capsules, drinks, and other products that claim to help strengthen your immune system. Though they may contain ingredients that can do so, some may also contain preservatives, artificial food coloring, or artificial sweeteners. These ingredients can harm you and your family’s immune system more than they can help it.
Any family doctor or pediatrician will tell you that the most essential function of your immune system is to protect your body from elements that can make you and your family sick. And it won’t be able to do that if your body is not in the right shape or is weak from stress or bad eating habits.
With these six simple and natural ways to build your immune system to its fullest, you and your family can avoid all those harmful elements.
Walk Regularly
Walking has a lot of benefits for your body. It helps release endorphins and gives you more energy to do your activities throughout the day. It helps loosen up stiff joints and muscles. And it also aids in your body’s overall circulation, which, in turn, helps the different parts of your immune system function effectively. Taking a walk for at least 30 minutes a day can get your heart pumping enough to get the right infection-fighting cells to travel to the different parts of your body that need them. And your immune system is the one that does this. So, to keep your body functioning properly, get on a treadmill or include a morning walk in your daily routine.
Eat More Garlic
The common flu, cough, and colds are often caused by viruses. And studies have shown that garlic can boost the immune cells that can fight these viruses. Garlic has been known for its anti-inflammatory uses and is also known to regulate blood pressure. So what are you waiting for? You can start cooking garlicky dishes and strengthen your immunity.
Get More Shut-eye
In today’s busy world, getting the recommended seven to ten hours of sleep can be a challenge. And stress, school, responsibilities, or your lifestyle can affect how much sleep you can get at night. Sleep is an integral part of life that will help you strengthen your immune system. While you sleep, your body releases certain proteins that fight infections, inflammations, and stress. And when you sleep less than what is recommended, your immune system will also produce less of these proteins. Thus, find the proper evening routine that can help you get more Zs than usual. If you have time, you can also take an afternoon nap. Take it as a way for your body to recharge to full battery to function at its best.
Consume More Ginger and Turmeric
These may be the two most powerful roots on earth. Ginger and turmeric are both known for their abilities to boost the immune system. They both have anti-inflammatory properties; they’re both known to fight germs in your body and decrease the risk of heart failure. By simply cutting them up and boiling them for a few minutes, you can make a decoction that’s safe to drink every day and help you get that boost of power for your immune system.
Meditate and Breathe
Stress is one of the culprits of a weakened immune system. It affects both mind and body because when stress hormones are released, they can cause inflammation and swelling. Therefore, one way to avoid this is to nip it in the bud and manage stress through meditation. Meditation and breathing exercises have been proven to have a lot of benefits, not only for the mind but also for the body. As your body relaxes during meditation, it also takes in oxygen which your body uses to fight stress and other elements that can weaken your body. You can meditate for 5-15 minutes a day, depending on your routine. You can do it anytime and as often as you want to.
Stay Away From Sugar
Most grocery products today contain fructose, sucrose, or artificial sweeteners. There’s also a lot of processed carbohydrates readily available, like bagels, donuts, pizza. While they all seem so tempting, they also almost make it impossible to stay away from sugar. Not all people know that your immune system function decreases every time you eat your favorite dessert. And if your sugar levels continue this way, you’ll have a rusty immune system that won’t be able to fight for you. Sugar from fruits like bananas and apples is a better way of satisfying your sweet tooth. You can also get your carbohydrates from potatoes, squash, or carrots. Whole foods could be your immune system’s best friend.
Everyone today needs an immune system boost. And it’s never too late to get on the healthy bandwagon. These are simple tips for a healthier you, and the good news is you can start today.
