CHOOSING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Generally our immune systems does a remarkable job of defending us against disease-causing microorganisms. Improving our diet and taking certain vitamins or herbs can help, but the best way to take nutrients is by eating food as close to nature as possible.

The immune system is a system, not a single entity. To function well, it requires balance and harmony. Researchers are exploring the effects of diet, exercise, age, psychological stress, and other factors on the immune response. In the meantime, general healthy-living strategies are a good way to start giving your immune system the upper hand.

Your first line of defence is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system 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 these:

• Don’t smoke.

• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.

• Exercise regularly.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

• Get adequate sleep.

• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.

• Try to minimise stress.

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? Just like a healthy diet, exercise can contribute to general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system. It may contribute even more directly by promoting good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently.