5 Ways to Boost Your Body’s Natural Defenses
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A great immune health is a prerequisite for a happy, healthy lifestyle. It’s a mechanism that helps our body successfully ward off diseases, ensuring protection against a plethora of harmful pathogens. The thing is, many of us think of our immune system (and health in general) as something that’s too challenging and complex to maintain.
In reality, improving this important mechanism is much simpler than the majority of people think. Although there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to health, there are a few ways everyone can boost their body’s natural defenses and keep their immunity strong.
Focus on eating a more plant-based diet
What you decide to fill your plate with regularly will largely affect your body’s ability to eliminate pathogens effectively. The best way to support your immune system in its battle against bacteria and infections is to eat more plants.
For starters, fruits and vegetables are abundant in nutrients that enhance immunity. Secondly, they contain fiber, which is essential for maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. Finally, the antioxidants found in these foods also fight free radicals which are responsible for causing inflammation. This, in turn, provides protection against numerous conditions associated with chronic inflammation, including cancer and heart disease. The more colorful your plate, the better.
Supplement wisely
Your diet should be your main source of all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your body needs every day. That said, supporting your immune system with herbs and supplements can be an effective way to give your immune performance the boost it needs to ward off any harmful pathogens more effectively.
For instance, echinacea is associated with a speedy recovery from a cold, while garlic supplementation can help with cold prevention. Medicinal herbs such as elderberry can help ease respiratory infections symptoms, while including aloe vera powder into your supplement routine can help reduce inflammation and improve digestive and immune health. Vitamin C and D, along with zinc and antioxidant supplements are also effective for boosting the overall immune system. Just make sure to consult your doctor before adding any new supplements and vitamins to your daily routine.
Limit your sugar intake
A big part of building a strong immune system is making healthy eating choices on a daily basis. That doesn’t only mean building healthy eating habits but also eliminating bad ones as well. The truth is, our modern eating habits can make it easy for added sugars to creep into our diet.
Numerous studies have linked increased sugar intake with being overweight and obese along with being at a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Since all these conditions contribute to a weakened immune system, consider limiting your sugar intake. Aim for no more than two tablespoons per day.
Do your best to stay hydrated
Just like it’s easy to consume too much added sugar, it’s all too easy to be dehydrated without even realizing. Not only is staying hydrated important for ensuring your body is functioning properly, but it also plays a vital role in the detoxification process.
When our body gets supplied with an optimal amount of water, it is able to flush out our system. Dehydration, on the other hand, impedes the body’s ability to filter waste and eliminate toxins. This increases the risk of damage to the kidneys, the formation of kidney stones, and infections of the urinary tract. Since there’s no way of saying what the optimal water intake should be, it’s best to listen to your body.
Address your stress
Last but not least, let’s go over one of the primary causes of a weakened immune system – stress. Our mind and body work together as a whole. When we are experiencing psychological stress, it inevitably affects our overall immune function. Chronic stress compromises our immune system balance, and it also leads to inflammation.
Of course, we all have a different notion of what a stressful situation is. What’s important is that you find a way to control your body’s response to stress. Be it journaling, meditating, doing yoga, or working with a licensed therapist, do what you can to address your stress. With effective stress management techniques, you can ensure optimal immune health and combat negative feelings in a healthy way.
Wrapping up
Living in an age as hectic as the digital era can wreak havoc on the immune system if not careful. Lifestyle factors such as high stress levels, poor quality of sleep, and exposure to infections and illnesses all contribute to a weakened immune system, along with other potential immune system threats.
By taking steps to strengthen your body’s defenses naturally, you can ensure a healthy immune system. The sooner you start, the more successful you’ll be at preventing potential health issues down the road.
Eve Anderson is a marketing specialist turned blogger. Interested in sports and exciting travel destinations. Love to share content that can inform people.
