Our body has a wonderful mechanism of defense against foreign harmful microorganisms, that’s called immune system. Some level of immunity is inherent which you get by birth such as skin – the first line of defense, while other one is adaptive which develops throughout the life.
Despite the fact that there is no proven evidence of enhancing the immune system, here are six of the best ways which are thought to boost your immune system naturally:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants i.e. vitamin C or E eliminates potentially injurious oxidizing agents in a living being. Hence, take a diet enrich in antioxidants. They labor the process of cell destruction and boost up the immune system. Following are some of the fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants:
Fruits: Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, papaya, apple, prune, orange, cantaloupe, water melon, peaches, nectarines, apricots, tangerines, mangoes, etc.
Vegetables: Carrots, green peppers, broccoli, turnip, spinach, beetroot, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, pumpkin, onions etc. boost the immune system.
Reduce Stress
Stress is a major factor for many health related discomforts. Thus it also has effects on one’s immune system. Incorporating yoga, meditation breathing exercises and spiritual rituals may aid in reducing tension. However, if any underlying cause is the culprit, then it must be treated pharmacologically. For instance, Anxiolytics agents can be used in persons suffering with diagnosed anxiety, or sedative agents for individuals with insomnia.
SEE ALSO: 5 Immune-Boosting Foods You Need This Winter
Be Active
Being lazy and sticking to your phone whole day isn’t good for you in anyway. Include physical activity in your routine be it a simple walk or a treadmill run. Exercise makes you more energetic and increases your endurance which consequently assists in boosting your immune system.
Lifestyle Modifications
If you smoke, you can grow a lung cancer but in this case you can modify your habits. There are some modifiable factors which you must adopt to get a healthy lifestyle such as quit smoking, minimize alcohol consumption, reduce obesity, sleep properly, avoid narcotics and stay hydrated. It’ll eventually improve your defense system.
Vaccination
Did you know most of the deaths in the world occur due to influenza virus? Covid-19 took so many lives since 2020? The most important step to prevent viral infections is vaccination. Used for immunization, they are suspensions of microorganism (dead or alive attenuated) which stimulate immunologic defense of the host. Despite the fact that vaccination doesn’t guarantee 100% prevention from infections, it is a very essential part of every individual’s life.
SEE ALSO:What Are Probiotics and Their Role in Our Health?
Probiotic Supplements
Although supplements have been highly discouraged by National Institutes of Health (NIH), it can be used in some cases and in moderation. According to a Research published in PubMed, probiotic supplements may flourish system of gut microorganisms which helps your immune system distinguish between normal and injurious invader organisms. Some of naturally occurring probiotics are; Kefir, yogurt, miso, tempeh to name a few.
In a nutshell, the body’s immune system is exceptionally complex and extremely vital for your existence.
How do you boost your immune system? What other ways have you used to strength your immune system and your body’s natural defenses? Share with us below!
