It’s important for you to maintain a strong and effective immune system, given that there are many diseases out there that’ll do you and your loved ones harm. That way, that medicine for cough and cold you’re stacking up won’t have to face these foreign invaders alone!
Now you’re probably asking how in blazes you can do that. Well, for starters, you can follow some of these easy and simple tips that’ll help bolster your body’s natural defenses.
Get Enough Sleep
That time you spend getting some shut-eyes also happen to be the period when your body repairs itself, and that includes your immunity system. Lack of sleep makes your body release cortisol, a hormone usually produced through stress which is capable of weakening your body’s natural resistance. Prolonged exposure to it can seriously ruin your immune system, making you more open to disease attacks. That’s why a lot of people who don’t have enough sleep get sick quite often!
Avoid Smoking
Everybody knows that smoking is dangerous to the health, both for the smokers and for anyone around them. The toxins each stick contains affect different systems in your body, and your immune system is no exception. It damages to your cells, impairs its proper function and weakens the immune system in general, making you more likely to get sick. It can also make you more vulnerable to autoimmune diseases—cancer, for instance!
Reduce Alcohol Intake
If you can’t totally steer clear of this social lubricant, then at least sip a fewer shots of the stuff. Studies have indicated that excessive alcohol damages the protective barriers of the respiratory tract, causing binge drinkers to be easily susceptible to diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
You might’ve been told this by your parents and doctors quite a few times already! Well, it’s very sound advice, as fruits and vegetables are loaded with the nutrients and minerals your immune system needs to effectively do its work. Oh, a lot of fruits also contain vitamins A and C, which are important in fighting off infections.
Have Some Good Bacteria
No, that’s not an oxymoron; there really is such a thing as good bacteria! In fact, millions of them are on your skin and gastrointestinal tract right now keeping bad bacteria at bay. Had there been a few less of them around, your body would have already fallen.
You don’t get good bacteria by rolling in dirt or eating it, though. Instead, you take probiotics or add certain food supplements in your diet like fermented milk. Research even suggests that these products help fight off respiratory and gastrointestinal infection!
Get Some Sunlight
Ever wondered why nocturnal people get sick a lot more often than their day-loving peers? That’s because they get don’t get enough sunlight, which is crucial to activate the vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D is not only responsible for strengthening your bones, but it also activates your immune system. Therefore, those who stay in the dark too often tends to get easily infected by viruses.
Don’t let your guard down against dangerous diseases! Keep your immune system healthy by following these tips, and now’s the best time to do it!