6 Tips to Boost Your Immune System

We are in contact with germs frequently, but luckily our immune system does a pretty good job of protecting us by creating antibodies that combat antigens or the part of a pathogen that causes disease. Antibodies work with the immune system to stop the illness. Once our immune system creates an antibody, the body has a memory of that antibody, resulting in a quicker response when the body is exposed to that same antigen. Being sick is no fun. You can stay healthier by working to take care of your body and boosting your immune system. Improving your overall health will benefit every system in your body, so striving for healthier lifestyle choices is a great place to start.

Diet

A well-balanced, nutritious diet will provide your body with essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are low in fat and calories while still packed with nutrients. Being sure to consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables is a great source of vitamins for your body, especially your immune system.

Supplements

When your diet is lacking, consider supplements to ensure your body receives the nutrients it needs for optimal performance. Adding a multivitamin or vitamin C tablet to your daily routine could be a good idea. Other options include a nutritious green superfood powder packed with fruits, veggies, grasses and other immune-boosting ingredients.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle choices are the foundation for our minds and bodies. The choices we make can affect each system of our body, including the immune system. Exercising daily to maintain a healthy weight is a prime example of a lifestyle that positively impacts the body and mind. Other examples include limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking. Start small with just a few changes to get acclimated and add more positive changes as you go. For example, consider starting by exercising three days a week and building on that the more you get used to this new addition to your routine. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to change every negative lifestyle habit you have all at once. This will hurt your chances of success. Instead, pick one and keep working on it until you feel comfortable adding another healthy habit.

Sleep

Chances are you have gotten sick before when your body was worn out and run down. Resting and getting plenty of quality sleep each night keeps our minds and bodies healthy. In order to get the best sleep you can, create a cool, dark space that is free of distractions. Try to limit your screen time before bedtime, and do not drink caffeinated beverages in the evening. Calming activities like meditation, bubble baths or reading can help relax the body and prepare it for rest.

Wash Your Hands

Practicing healthy behaviors daily is a great way to fight off illness proactively. Hand washing is a crucial step in preventing and spreading disease. Proper handwashing techniques include wetting your hands, applying soap, lathering your hands with soap (being sure to target the back of the hand, between fingers and under nails), scrubbing for 20 seconds, and rinsing well before drying. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, especially after using the restroom, preparing or handling food and caring for sick individuals.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect our bodies from certain illnesses that could be deadly. Staying up to date on vaccinations is another key to helping your immune system.  Vaccines trigger our bodies to produce an immune response to that specific pathogen, providing your body with immunity against that particular disease.

No one enjoys being sick. Sometimes we just cannot avoid it; however, you can take precautions to boost your immune system. Improving your overall health, exercising daily, consuming a nutritious diet, implementing healthy lifestyle changes and quality sleep is beneficial to every system in your body. It is vital that you take care of your body even when you feel great so that you have the immune system to overcome pathogens and so that you can recover quickly when you do get sick.