Do you find yourself constantly being hampered with minor colds and illnesses? It could be due to a lagging immune system. Luckily, there are many ways to strengthen your immune system, which we’ll explain in our helpful tips!
Get Enough Sleep
Along with getting proper nutrients and vitamins, the most significant tip for strengthening your immune system is getting enough sleep. Your body needs the energy to keep up the fight against pathogens and bacteria, but if you’re not getting enough rest, it can’t do its job correctly.
As an adult, you should be aiming for at least seven hours of sleep a night. Teens and kids should shoot for a couple more hours a night, as their bodies are still growing and need the energy to keep up.
Pro Tip: Do you have trouble sleeping? Limit your screen time the hour before you go to bed to calm your mind and relax your eyes.
Consume Fruits & Veggies
Your body needs many vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and fuel to prevent illnesses from attacking your body adequately. Where can you find most of these essential nutrients? In whole fruits and vegetables!
So after you get a whole night’s sleep, consider starting your day with a glass of fresh-squeezed juice to give your body an immediate boost to its system. Use a juicer to mix and match fruits and veggies for a delicious and healthy morning drink!
Eat Healthy Fats
Some people hear the word “fats” in food and immediately look to avoid them, but there are healthy fats that your body needs to support its immune system. Healthy fats offer anti-inflammatory properties to help your body fight chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Some foods that contain healthy fats you should introduce to your diet include:
- Virgin olive oil
- Avocados
- Chia seeds
- Fatty fish (salmon, trout, mackerel)
- Dark chocolate
A dinner of fish cooked in virgin olive oil with a dark chocolate treat for dessert is an excellent meal for your immune system!
Exercise Regularly
Exercise helps your body burn fat and build muscle, but did you also know it helps your immune system? Light and moderate exercise reduces inflammation and helps your body regenerate the cells it needs to ward off pathogens and bacteria.
Some examples of moderate exercise that help your immune system include:
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Biking
- Easy jogging
- Outdoor sports (e.g., tennis)
Manage Your Stress
A robust immune system doesn’t just take physical effort and preparedness but also mental. People with long-term stress and anxiety have an increased risk of inflammation in their bodies—making them more likely to suffer from chronic diseases and get sick.
Psychological stress takes a toll on your body, just like physical stress does. Keep your mind calm and your body strong with mental fortifying practices such as daily meditation, yoga, or journaling.
