Your body’s immune system is your first line of defense against disease. Your immune system protects you from viruses, harmful bacteria, infections, and parasites by using a network of proteins and chemicals in your body. It’s like a home alarm system. A stronger immune system will reduce your risk of getting sick.
Your immune system can be boosted to its full potential. It is not necessary to constantly charge and plug in your immune system like a security gadget. Life takes place. We can get tired. It is important to support your immune system.
1. Sleep Enough
Sleep deprivation or poor quality of sleep has been linked It was more likely that 164 healthy individuals who slept less than six hours per night would catch a cold than those who slept 6 or more hours each night.
You can improve your natural defenses by sleeping enough. When you’re sick, your immune system may need more sleep. Adults need to sleep 7 hours or more per night. Infants and children as young as six months old can sleep for up to fourteen hours.
Try limiting your screen time one hour before you go to bed if you are having trouble falling asleep. Blue light from your phone, computer, and TV can interfere with your circadian rhythm, your body’s normal cycle of sleep, and wakefulness.
Sleep in complete darkness, or use a sleep mask. For good sleep hygiene, it is also important to exercise frequently.
2. Eat More Whole Plant Foods
They are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. These foods may also aid in fighting harmful diseases.
These foods contain antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation through the fight against unstable substances called free radicals. When these substances build up, they can cause inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to many health issues, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.
The majority of people with asthma who are diagnosed as having person-onset asthma suffer from allergies. Iverheal 3 and Iverheal 6 can be used to treat asthma.
Plant foods contain fiber that will feed your beneficial gut microbiome. Healthy gut microbiota can boost immunity and prevent harmful germs from entering your body through the digestive system. Vitamin C found in fruits and vegetables can also reduce the duration.
3. Healthy Fats Are Good For You
Healthy fats such as olive oil or salmon can help improve your body’s response to infections by reducing inflammation. Even though a small amount of inflammation may be a normal response to stress or injury, chronic inflammation will still affect your immune system.
The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil are linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes and heart disease. The anti-inflammatory properties in olive oil can also help you fight bacteria and viruses.
4. You Can Eat More Fermented Food Or Take A Probiotic
Fermented foods contain probiotics or good bacteria which populate the digestive system. This includes yogurt and other fermented foods like sauerkraut, Kimchi, Kefir, and Natto. A healthy gut bacterial community can help your body distinguish between healthy cells and invading bacteria.
In a study lasting three months, 126 kids were split into two groups. One group consumed fermented dairy products and the other was a control. Children in the control group ate 2.4 ounces of fermented dairy products daily. The children in the control group experienced a 20% decrease in infectious diseases.
Probiotics can be used as an alternative to fermented foods. Participants who were infected by rhinovirus and took Bifidobacterium animal supplements showed a stronger response to the virus after a 28-day trial. The rhinovirus levels were also lower than in the control group.
5. Limit The Sugar Added
Recent studies have shown that sugars and processed carbohydrates can cause obesity and weight gain. You are more likely to develop diabetes if you’re overweight.
In a study of over 1,000 patients, it was found that people who were obese had twice the risk of becoming sick after receiving a flu vaccine compar to non-obese individuals. Sugar consumption may reduce your risk for chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Limiting added sugars is essential in a diet that aims to boost your immune system. All of these factors can weaken the immune system. Sugar shouldn’t exceed 5% of daily calories. It is the equivalent of 2 tablespoons (25 grams) of sugar for a person eating 2,000 calories.
6. Exercise Moderately
Intense exercise can actually depress your immune system. According to research, even one moderate exercise session can improve the effectiveness of vaccines in people with compromised immunity.
Moderate and consistent exercise can reduce inflammation as well as promote regular renewal of immunity cells. Moderate exercise can include jogging, cycling, hiking, and jogging. The majority of people should aim to do 150 minutes or more of moderate exercise per week.
7. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can be harmful to your health. Dehydration not only causes headaches but also has a negative impact on your kidney, heart, digestion, mood, and focus. These issues may make you more susceptible to illnesses. Drink enough fluids so that your urine is light yellow to avoid dehydration. Water is the best option because it contains no sugar or calories. Fruit juices, sweetened teas, and other beverages are also good for hydration. However, you should limit your consumption of these drinks due to their high sugar content.
You should generally drink only when you feel thirsty. If you are active, live in a hot climate, or work outside, then you may need to drink more fluids.
Older people tend to drink less because their bodies cannot adequately detect thirst.
8. Stress Management
The immune system can be affecte by stress and worry. Long-term stress can lead to abnormal immune cell activity and inflammation. A certified counselor or therapist may be able to help you.
9. Add Wisely
A survey of over 11,000 people found that daily vitamin supplements of 1,000-2,000mg decreased cold duration in adults by 8% and in children by 14%. The supplementation did not stop colds.
Vitamin D deficiency may make you more vulnerable. This effect can be mitigate by supplements. A healthy dose of vitamin D supplementation does not appear to provide any additional benefits.
A study on 575 patients with the common cold found that taking daily zinc supplements in excess of 75mg reduced the duration by 33 percent.
According to a modest review, elderberry may reduce symptoms of upper respiratory viruses. More research is require. In a study involving 700 participants, echinacea sped up recovery from colds a bit compared to taking a placebo or getting no treatment.
Garlic supplementation, according to a 12-week trial involving 146 participants, reduced the risk for the common flu by about 30%. Further research is need.