The rainy season is here once again in the 592. And with it has come the common cold and the flu. I’m sure many of you readers will agree that some of your loved ones, friends and/or co-workers have been bitten with the flu bug lately. For me, almost my entire household had the sniffles and coughs this week. Luckily, I have dodged the flu bullet. Coincidence? Not quite. The answer is to be found in the immune system.
If you want to boost your immune system or relay the message, read on.
The immune system is usually very reliable. However, there will be times when it fails us. As it is a complex system, it can be difficult to pinpoint how to strengthen it. Below, you’ll find some of the ways we are able to boost our chances of a healthier and stronger body on the inside.
Nutrition
If you’re a little confused as to how to begin strengthening your immune system, then examining your nutrition should be your first point of focus. Swapping fast foods for whole foods and incorporating fruit and vegetables into your diet are fantastic and simple starting points.
Fats are good for your immune system – saturated fats like coconut oil and avocado are great – but avoid Trans fats and vegetable oil like the plague.
Minimise bad habits
The battle to boost the immune system is just as much mental as it is physical. While your nutrition may be heading in the right direction, there can be other possible variables that leave you feeling apathetic or even ill.
Moderating alcohol consumption (as it effectively dehydrates the body) and quitting smoking are proven methods to strengthen your immune system.
Vitalise with your vitamins
As I always reiterate, knowledge is power. Researching and recognising what certain vitamins do for your immune system can create a pathway towards better health. Check out the table below for some handy hints.
Adequate rest
There have been extensive studies undertaken regarding the immune system and how it is impacted by varying sleep patterns. Getting insufficient amounts of sleep is a surefire way to increase your levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which will wreak havoc on your immune system. Ever wondered why most people who have bad sleeping habits get agitated easily?
Although it is not definitively known how sleep benefits the immune system, it’s a must have on your list even if only for general health. Adequate rest should always be high on your agenda no matter your age or the type of job you have.
Exercise
Yes, more exercise will help your immune system. If you are not a particularly active person and fall sick often, low-impact exercise, such as jogging or running, can strengthen your body’s reaction against these illnesses. This is through the formation of macrophages, which are thought to be the cells that combat upper respiratory bacteria. Don’t go too hard though, excessive physical activity can hinder this process.
