HEALTHY WAYS TO BOOST IMMUNITY

Looking to boost your immune system? There are a number of ways you can improve your disease fighting ability in a healthy and natural way. Swati Mittal explores

Astrong immune system is the secret to a healthy and long life. And while precaution and prevention are the best way to avoid the risk of infections and diseases, a healthy immune system is essential to fight off the foreign pathogens once they have entered your body. Your immune system is basically your body’s defence mechanism against the disease-causing microorganisms. So, is it possible for you in any way to boost your immunity? What if you improve your diet, take certain vitamins or herbs or make some changes to your lifestyle?

HOW TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM?

The first step towards improving your immune system is following a healthy lifestyle as it is essential in keeping your body strong and healthy. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as, no smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, avoiding stress, etc. So, let’s dwell on some healthy lifestyle habits that can help boost your immune system.

EAT A BALANCED DIET

Doctors and physicians say that almost 70-80 per-cent of your immune system resides in your gastrointestinal tract i.e. your gut. So, if your gut is healthy, your immune system is strong and can easily recognize and fight disease causing microorganisms. The key to improving your gut health is the consumption of probiotic-rich foods, avoiding processed food and consuming a balanced diet. Also, you need to watch your consumption of vitamins to ensure that your body does not suffer from any vitamin deficiency as they are essential for a healthy immune system. Protein is another essential component for a healthy immune system. The amino acids in protein help build and maintain immune cells, and skimping on this macronutrient may lower your body’s ability to fight infections.

STAY ACTIVE

Regular exercise is one of the pillars of healthy living. It improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, helps control body weight, and protects against a variety of diseases. But does it help to boost your immune system naturally and keep it healthy? The answer is yes, it surely assists in improving your immune system. Research suggests that exercising helps your body’s antibodies and white blood cells to circulate more rapidly, which means they may be able to detect and zero in on disease causing bacteria and viruses more quickly. Being active also lowers stress hormones, which reduces your chances of getting sick. However, it is essential to keep in mind that excess of anything is bad. The key to improving the immune system is to exercise in moderation. Excessive exercise can lead to exhaustion and weakness which can depress your immunity by leading to stress instead of improving it.

NIGHT SLEEP

The fact that your body heals itself while you are asleep has been proven through multiple researches and often quoted by experts. In fact, it is essential for you to catch some good sleep every night it is a natural immunity booster. Proper sleep helps your body heal and regenerate, thus making adequate sleep critical for a healthy immune response. When you are asleep your body produces and distributes key immune cells. Studies have shown that when you’re sleep-deprived, your body churns out stress hormones like cortisol to keep you awake and alert, which can suppress your immune system. So, make sure that you get a proper good night’s sleep as it is essential for your body’s disease fighting mechanism during difficult times.