The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism against disease-causing organisms. When this system is overwhelmed by pathogenic invasions, you get sick.
You can assist your body in defending it against diseases using natural and safe means. With the emergence and re-emergence of diverse pathogens, taking care of you cannot be overemphasized.
Here are six proven ways to naturally boost your immune system.
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#1. Sleep
A good sleep habit is very important to naturally maintain and boosting immunity. Sleep gives the body the opportunity to recuperate from stress and eliminate toxins.
The body releases cytokinin which are anti-inflammation and anti-infection proteins during sleep. Sleeping less than 7 hours is associated with many health problems like depression, obesity etc.
A sleep-deprived immune system cannot function properly. The brain suffers from physical, mental and emotional problems. If you have been falling ill a lot, the reason may be a poor sleep pattern.
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#2. Exercise
Exercising helps to naturally boost your immune system. Stress produces a hormone known as cortisol which negatively affects cells in your immune system. While stress raises cortisol levels, exercise reduces it and helps to boost immunity naturally. Workouts reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and other diseases.
It is recommended that you exercise about thirty to sixty minutes a day. However, over-exercising can weaken your immunity and counteract your efforts. A routine as simple as walking for a little distance is good for you.
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#3. Drink Lots of Water
Hydration should never be overlooked as metabolic reactions depend on water. Water aids digestion of food. Water helps to prevent the entry of pathogens like viruses into the body. Water will naturally help to eliminate toxins and other pathogens in the body.
Dehydration can affect the protective mucous layers of your digestive and respiratory tracts. At least two litres of water daily is recommended to boost immunity.
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#4. Avoid Unhealthy Habits
To naturally boost your immunity, you need to avoid some habits. Experts say that little alcohol does more good than harm but more than a little does more harm. Alcohol can dehydrate and rid the body of important nutrients.
Smoking increases the risks of infections by destroying antibodies. In addition, it damages the lungs’ tissues and its ability to clear the infection. Stress, binge dieting and other unhealthy habits are equally injurious to your immune system.
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#5. Healthy Diet
A balanced diet is one that contains all the nutrients in their right proportions. Adequate diets are diets formulated based on the peculiarities of the individual. These include age, physiological state, gender and presence or absence of diseases.
In addition to nutrient balancing, adequacy of diets is very important. Ensure that the food you eat is recommended for your physical, mental and emotional state of health. According to experts, 80% of your immune system is in the gut. Seek the opinion of experts on what to include or exclude from your diet to keep you on the right track.
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#6. Eat Immune Boosting Foods
There are many therapeutic foods you can eat to help boost your immunity naturally. In addition to eating well, you need to be specific about including these foods in your diet. They include vitamins, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant foods.
Most of these are contained in herbs, spices, fruits and vegetable recipes. Interestingly, the much talked about super-fruits fall within this category. Goji, pomegranate, and the other hyped super-foods are good for maintaining your immunity.
Conclusion
The immune system is very resilient in its natural function of keeping you healthy. However, you can be proactive in boosting your immunity. Now more than ever, naturally boosting your immune system is vital. Include these tips in your lifestyle and you’ll be far off harm’s way.