No one likes getting sick. It messes with your routine and makes you feel awful. Some people never seem to get ill, and stay infuriatingly fit and healthy at all times, but others are much more susceptible to flu and colds. It's all down to the immune system. Your immune system defends your body against disease-causing microorganisms, and the stronger it is, the less predisposed you are to illness.
If you are the kind of person who is frequently bedridden with a sniffly cold, there is good news. There are ways to strengthen your immune system to make your body better equipped to fight off sickness.
Here are some natural ways to boost your body's immunity.
Get more sleep
Sleep and immunity are inextricably entwined. If your body doesn't get enough rest, it will not function well, and your immune system will struggle to work hard enough to fight off infection. When you are sleep-deprived, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which keep you alert, but can also suppress your immune system. If you're the kind of person that sits up in front of the television until the early hours, it's time to stop. Go to bed at a reasonable hour and try to get at least seven hours. It's not just the duration of sleep that's important; you need to get good quality sleep too. Avoid bright lights and screens for a couple of hours before bed, and make sure your bedroom is a comfortable, noise-free environment.
Improve your diet
Your diet is one of the most significant contributing factors to your body's overall health. What you eat determines how you feel and how you function. While there's nothing wrong with treating yourself to your favorite food, everything should be enjoyed in moderation. A balanced diet is the best way to build a healthy immune system. Certain foods are natural immunity boosters such as garlic, ginger, citrus fruits, and nuts. You can also find herbal immune support supplements in health stores, which can give your immune system an added boost. Foods to limit your intake of include meat, processed, and fried foods. Dehydration is extremely harmful to the immune system, so stay hydrated by drinking eight glasses of water a day.
Do some exercise
Not only can exercise strengthen your immune system, but it also makes you feel fantastic. Three hours per week of moderate exercise helps your immune cells regenerate more effectively and will make you less likely to get ill. Your body will thank you for it in the long run. Your choice of exercise is up to you, whether it's walking, running, cycling or swimming. Just be careful not to overdo it. While moderate exercise is excellent for building immunity, intense workouts can actually worsen it.
Manage stress levels
You've probably noticed that you tend to get ill at the most stressful times in your life, and this is no coincidence. Stress and anxiety suppress the immune response and can worsen the effects of existing illnesses and health conditions. Stay on top of your stress levels by dealing with any issues when you can, as well as meditating, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
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