The immune system of our body is essential for our survival as without an immune system, our bodies would be open to get attacked from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and more. It is our immune system that acts as a soldier by defending us against disease-causing microorganisms which keeps us healthy.
Want to have a strong immune system? Have a look at the following tips that help in boosting the immune system:
Aim on foods
A healthy diet leads to a healthy body which is a key factor to a strong immune system. Immune boosting whole and unprocessed foods are powerful for overall health. These immunity boosters include:
Garlic
Garlic contains a compound called Allicin that is well known for its ability to boost the immune system. Eating one-half of a raw garlic clove daily is most beneficial and if you can’t eat raw garlic, roasting it is the next best thing to do.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics contain fiber, especially inulin fiber which helps in keeping the gut bacteria strong and healthy that fights against infection. Jicama roots, asparagus, and green bananas are excellent sources of prebiotics.
Vitamin-C rich foods
Vitamin C is found in oranges, kiwi, and broccoli and is known to boost immunity by showing a significant decrease in the severity and duration of upper respiratory infection symptoms.
Supplements to boost the immune system like Limcee which contains vitamin C helps in lowering your susceptibility to illness.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect you against oxidative stress and help decrease inflammation, which translates to a stronger immune system. Colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, carrots, and spinach are common sources of antioxidants.
Healthy fats
Healthy fats boost your body’s immune response to pathogens by decreasing inflammation.
Olive oil is a healthy fat, containing highly anti-inflammatory that helps your body fight off harmful disease-causing bacteria and viruses. It is also linked to a decreased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type two diabetes.
Other sources of healthy fats, like salmon and chia seeds that have omega-3 fatty acids also fight inflammation.
Improving lifestyle
Stress leads to lowered immunity, thereby, making you more prone to illness. Protect yourself from stress and boost your immune system with a few lifestyle twists:
Sleep
Sleep and immunity go hand in hand. Adequate rest strengthens natural immunity. Prioritize your sleep and make sure you get seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night as it is needed to fight off infection.
Meditation
Meditation reduces anxiety and lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. It helps you sleep by giving a calm effect. A guided meditation for even five minutes a day or simply sitting quietly and focussing on your breath can make a difference.
Exercise
Exercise increases our resilience so that we can fight off infection as our bodies function better when we are physically active every day. So, make sure you take out at least ten to thirty minutes to do the workout in any form like yoga, aerobics, cardio, and strength training.
A positive attitude is everything
Positive thoughts not only reduce stress and inflammation but also increase resilience to infection. Always start your day with a positive attitude or mantra as a positive mindset is vital for health and well-being because negative emotions can make you more susceptible to the common cold and flu.
Aids that naturally boost immunity
Want to follow extra measures to prevent getting ill? Follow these natural immunity aids that help you shoot up your immune system:
Supplements
The deficiency of vitamin D may increase your susceptibility to infection. Although, vitamin D is present in the fresh air and sunshine intake of daily vitamin D supplements to boost the immune system is recommended.
Essential oils
Eucalyptus and tea tree oils contain antiviral properties that help in protecting one against infection from viruses. You can use an oil diffuser to inhale them or can make a hand sanitizer using tea tree oil mixed with aloe vera gel and isopropyl alcohol. Another essential oil by the name of lavender helps in easing anxiety and improving sleep because of its calming property. You can use it either by adding a few drops to a warm bath or by using the oil in a diffuser while you work or sleep.
Hydration
Always keep yourself hydrated as staying hydrated can boost your immune system. Water helps your body in the production of lymph, which is a carrier of white blood cells and other immune system cells. Prefer eating hydrating foods like cucumbers, celery, and watermelon instead of overdoing beverages like coffee that make you dehydrated.
The above tips help in boosting your immune system which not only protects you from diseases like coronavirus but also makes sure that you stay fit and healthy. Do not forget - health is wealth!
0 comments:
Post a Comment