4 Ways to Boost Your Immune System and Stay Healthy

4 Ways to Boost Your Immune System and Stay Healthy

Winter is coming….and that means so are germs and sickness.  It is that time of the year when everyone wants to know how they can boost their immune system and protect against all of the illnesses that the cooler months tend to bring.  Just because this is the time of year that people tend to be more susceptible to illness it does not mean they have to get every sickness that may come their way.  By having a stronger immune system you may be able to stay relatively healthy and feel your best all year long.  If you take care of your body, your immune system will be better equipped to take care of you.  Below are 5 ways you can boost your immune system and stay healthy.

4 Ways to Boost Your Immune System and Stay Healthy

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy, balanced, nutrient-dense diet is one of the best ways you can support your immune system. It is important to eat your fruits and veggies, just like your mom told you.  But also, be sure to eat whole grains and lean protein while avoiding processed food and sugar.  A diet rich in antioxidants is also an important part of supporting your immune system.  Every day our bodies are exposed to free radicals which can lead to inflammation in the body that will lead a myriad of health issues including a weakened immune system.  By eating antioxidant-rich foods you help support overall health as well as a strong immune system.  Antioxidant-rich foods include citrus fruit, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, kiwi, almonds, avocado, olive oil, blueberries, sweet potatoes, kale, carrots, chard, papaya, pomegranates, plums, raspberries and more.

2. Exercise

Exercise is an essential part of overall health but it also supports a healthy immune system.  Reader’s Digest explains why exercise is critical to immune health, “Your immune system responds to exercise by producing more of the blood cells that attack bacterial invaders. And the more regularly you exercise, the more long lasting the changes become. U.S. research shows that people who exercise moderately on five or six days a week have half as many colds and sore throats as people who don’t.”

3. Get Enough Sleep

When you sleep it is your body’s chance to rest and recover from the day.  Many important physiological processes take place while you sleep and that all adds up to a healthy immune system.  When you do not get enough sleep, your body cannot get the rest it needs and your immune system weakens as a result.  It is important that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep each night for optimal health.

4. Reduce Stress

Reducing stress may sound easier said than done but it is not only an important thing to do for mental health but physical health as well.  Chronic stress releases too many stress hormones in the body which can suppress the immune system.  Meditation, prayer, counseling, hobbies, and exercise are all great ways to minimize stress.