Your immune system plays a significant role in protecting your body from diseases causing microorganisms. But there are times when a germ seizes and makes you ill. Is there any way to prevent it? Can you make your immune system strong enough to avoid sickness? What if you consume certain herbs or vitamins? Adopt healthy eating habits? The concept of boosting your immunity system is definitely alluring, but there are certain reasons that have proved it vague. Immunity system is – a system which needs harmony and balance to function well. However, there are certain things that you can do to improve your immune system and prevent sickness.
We have pulled together certain facts that can prove to be beneficial and useful in boosting your immunity system.
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Consume enough vegetables and fruits
Vegetables and fruits are good to fight off almost every type of sickness. Eating 5 cups of vegetables and fruits ensure that you consume right amount of essential nutrients including vitamin A, C, and E. Opt for fruits and vegetables rich in these nutrients. Reason? Here’s why:
Vitamin A is responsible for regulating your immune system, and assists white blood cells to prevent infections more effectively (You can get vitamin A from dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and carrots).
Vitamin C, found in grapefruit, broccoli, papayas, bell peppers, oranges and lemons, enhances the absorption of iron consequently, improving immunity system.
Nutritious foods like turnip greens, seeds and nuts contain huge amount of Vitamin E to fight off upper respiratory infections and flu.
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Add protein in every meal
No food can magically keep away the flu, but some nutrients can help in protecting your body from millions of viruses, bacteria and other harmful germs, and protein is one of them. The fact is that antibodies which help keep diseases away from your body are made of protein. Certain foods such as seafood, soy and beans also contain zinc, which improves the production of white blood cells – infection-fighting cells.
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Walk a few times for at least 10 minutes
Getting at least 10 minutes walk a few times in a day can strengthen many defenses of the immunity system. Exercise keeps your white blood cells active which may them to detect sickness sooner. In addition, it improves blood circulation in your body making your body emit hormones responsible for warning immune cells of unwanted bacteria and germs in your body.
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Reduce stress
Sometimes, stress is required to prepare your body and mind for a challenge. However, regular stress can be fatal for your health. Studies show that it can not only weaken your immunity system, but also invites many diseases. How do you intend to reduce stress in such a fast pace world? Ignore things that make you worried! Well, you must be thinking ‘it’s easier said than done’. Why don’t you just relax, take a back seat and just enjoy? Try it, it’s easy! Reduced stress also promotes healthy habits in your life.
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Replace refined oil with olive or canola oil
There is a reason why health conscious people use olive oil these days. It is shown that olive oil and canola oil contain healthy fats. These healthy fats work like a lubricant for cells present in our body. Consequently, it improves communication and flexibility between the cells, boosting immunity system.
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Adopt healthy lifestyle
Choosing a healthy lifestyle is the single best step towards improved immunity system. As a matter of fact, every body part works well when protected from ecological assaults and strengthened by healthy lifestyle. Few things you can change include smoking and drinking. Smoking is the worst thing you can do to your body. It not only weakens your immunity system but also causes many deadly diseases. Also, set sensible drinking limits and take small steps toward moderation and balance in your life.
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Take herbs and supplements
Though there is no strong evidence that certain herbs and supplements improve immunity system, there are number of herb preparations which have enough potential to influence the immunity system in a positive way. Aloe vera, garlic, ginseng, and probiotics are some of the popular herbs and supplements that draw scientists’ attention in regards to boosting the immune system. Garlic has many infection fighting capabilities and helps fight bacteria and viruses. A study has also shown that regular consumption of garlic prevents major diseases like cancer.
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Enjoy sunlight
Sun sure does help in getting a good tan but 10-15 minute exposure to sun improves vitamin D production – an important nutrient to boost immune system. Low vitamin D level can cause respiratory infection. Thus enjoy sun rays, get a good tan and improve your immunity system!
Immune system plays two important roles – it protects your body from foreign invaders such as bacteria, virus, and germs and it guards your cells to ensure that they function well. In simple words, you can keep illness at bay with strong immune system and by following healthy eating tips.
So stay one step ahead and become healthier!