Millions of people in the United States catch the common cold each year, with adults experiencing an average of 2-3 colds per year. For this reason, it’s important to realize that a healthy immune system is essential, as it protects you from the bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. Luckily, for those looking to strengthen theirs in preparation for the upcoming cold and flu season — or any other time of the year — there are several easy and natural ways of doing so.
Your diet matters
While a well rounded diet is an important aspect of staying healthy in general, it also holds specific benefits for your immune system. For example, choosing to adopt a Mediterranean style diet, which is made up of protein, fruits and vegetables, and Omega-3 fats, to name a few, may be especially beneficial in effectively supporting your immune system. This is because this particular diet is known for embracing antioxidants rather than sugars, thus resulting in the higher ability to fend off free radicals that lead to aging and disease.
The benefits of garlic
Garlic has been long known to have distinct benefits when it comes to strengthening the immune system, as it can increase the number of virus fighting cells in your bloodstream. In fact, research done by scientists at the University of Florida has found that taking aged garlic extract actually helped to reduce the severity of cold and flu like symptoms, and could even help in recovering faster when compared to those who didn’t have any garlic.
A good night’s rest counts
Getting a sufficient amount of sleep is also a prime way of strengthening your immune system naturally. This is due to the idea that lack of sleep might decrease the making of cytokines, which are particularly necessary when you have an infection or are at risk of illness in another way. It’s also important to note that infection-fighting antibodies are also decreased when you’re not catching enough z’s, meaning that adequate and regular shut-eye each night is an absolute must in supporting a healthy immune system.
The immune-boosting properties of tea
Tea is said to be yet another natural immunity booster, and there are many different types to choose from when looking to gain it’s immunity boosting properties. For example, ginger tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, antimicrobial elements and antioxidants that may allow it to strengthen your immune system. On the other hand, other teas, such as peppermint, could also prove to be beneficial: peppermint tea is also well-known for its antibacterial properties that are thought to fend off illness.
How exercise could help
While exercise goes hand in hand with leading a healthy lifestyle, it may also prove to be beneficial for your immune system as well. This is because exercise works to increase blood flow throughout the body, reduces stress hormones, and even strengthen antibodies to aid in fighting off infection. In fact, exercise even causes the immune cells to work more effectively, according to Farshad Fani Marvasti, MD. Whether you choose to enroll in a spin class or simply take a morning jog, implementing a regular exercise regime is a great idea when looking at natural immune system support.
Boosting your immune system might sound like a daunting task, but there are several ways that you can do so naturally. From implementing a healthy diet and exercise regime to taking advantage of immune-boosting foods like garlic, there are a number of things that you can incorporate into your daily life that can help.
