Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have become even more anxious about the germs that lurk around us. The truth is, there’s no need to worry too much. Simply taking care of your health and practicing good hygiene will do just fine.
So how do you boost your immunity? What can you do to make sure you fight off infections and illnesses? Well, thankfully there’s plenty of ways you can improve your body’s natural defenses. Bettering your everyday habits and improving your lifestyle choices is what you should focus on.
Here are 11 of the best, most effective tips for boosting your immunity. Take note!
1. Master a Supplement-Taking Routine
Let’s start by talking about the various supplements you can take. Brands like Nutra Remedies have revolutionized the ways we like to increase our nutrient and vitamin intake with products such as Mushroom Complex capsules from enjoyseamoss.com. These types of supplements help strengthen your immune system and improve general bodily functions, so try them out with an open mind.
If you do want to start taking supplements, it’s best to get yourself in a routine. Plus, don’t take them instead of nutrition-packed foods. Supplements are just an additional way of upping your daily intake of vitamins and minerals.
2. Get Moving More
Endless studies show that exercise is a fantastic way of boosting the effectiveness of your immune system, especially amongst immunosuppressed individuals who are particularly vulnerable to disease. However, don’t overdo it. Exercising more doesn’t necessarily mean taking part in hardcore strenuous work. Moderate exercise 4-5 times a week will do.
Simply keeping busy and moving your body more (walking, getting outside, etc.) is good enough too. It’s just about staying as active as possible. For example, choose to take the stairs over the elevator.
3. Get a Furry Pet
Good news! There are also studies that show having a pet can improve your immune system. As if you needed another reason to get a furry friend! But exactly how do pets help us fight off illnesses?
Well, cats, dogs, and other pets naturally help boost our moods, relieve stress, and lower our blood pressure, which all helps us become generally healthier, thus improving the effectiveness of the immune system too. Having a pet around as a child also helps develop the immune response and makes you less prone to allergies in adulthood.
4. Socialize More
Never assume being a recluse will prevent you from getting ill. In fact, it’s been scientifically proven that hiding away at home actually works against the immune system. Being outside amongst other people means your body naturally starts building the antibodies for viruses you come in contact with.
So don’t shy away from socializing. You can boost your immunity by broadening your social circle and developing healthy relationships with those around you.
5. Stay Positive and Fight Stress
Managing your stress levels is another vital part of immunity. Prolonged emotional or psychological stress will suppress the well-functioning of your immune system, so do your best to stay calm and relaxed.
Practicing mindfulness is a good way of reducing stress. Identify what causes your negative stress and start combating the physical symptoms with positive things such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
Simply trying to remain positive can help. Always look on the bright side of life. Laugh more and find the good in everything.
6. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
This tip might be pretty obvious, but boy is it important. Maintaining a healthy diet means your body has the energy and the weapons to fight against the pathogens attacking your body. So pack your diet with plenty of whole plant-based foods which are rich in nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals (fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, beans, pulses, whole grains, etc).
The most important vitamins for boosting your immune system include:
- Vitamin B6, most found in lean meats and fish, green vegetables, and potatoes.
- Vitamin C, most found in citrus fruits, broccoli, and spinach.
- Vitamin E, most found in almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.
One of the easiest ways you can maximize your intake of goodness is ‘eating the rainbow’. Pack your plate with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables!
7. Remember Some Fats Are Good
It’s easy to assume that all fats are bad. But that’s not true. Healthy fatty acids are found in various whole foods such as avocados, olives, salmon, and nuts, so don’t shy away from enjoying the good foods moderately. These healthy natural fats can actually be incredibly nutritious.
8. Limit Your Sugar Intake
Many scientific studies show that high sugar intake can also suppress the immune system. In fact, added refined sugars in fast foods is one of the biggest culprits for obesity and heart disease. So curb your sugar intake by simply watching what snacks and treats you eat. Having a balanced diet is key. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself once in a while, but restrict your bad choices.
9. Prioritize sleep
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Without decent sleep, your body simply doesn’t have enough energy to fight off illnesses. So try and prioritize bedtime as much as best you can. Adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep every night, and this can be achieved by avoiding caffeine before bed and staying active in the day.
10. Cut out nasty toxins
Unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol works against the immune system. The more you fill your body with bad toxins, the more your body’s defenses are weakened. So try and cut back on the booze and kick the smoking habit. It’ll work wonders on your general health.
11. Drink Plenty of Water
Last but certainly not least: keep your body hydrated! Drinking plenty of water is vital for the general well-being of our bodily functions, including our immune system. Having more fluids in the body means more nasty toxins are flushed out of our gut and our bloodstream.
