5 Habits for Boosting Your Immune System

Your body’s immune system is what protects it against infections, illnesses, diseases, and other conditions. This works by attacking viruses, bacteria, and other toxins that may potentially cause harm to the body. Knowing this, you have to continue nourishing your body with habits for boosting your immune system that will not only keep you healthy but also improve the overall quality of life.

With the pandemic ongoing, it’s critical more than ever to feed your body with what it needs on a daily basis. Even if you haven’t been following the best habits as of late, it’s never too late to start exercising, eating a healthy diet, and focusing on your overall development just as much as your physical growth.

Ensure You Get Enough Sleep

The amount of sleep that you’ll need will depend on your age range. If you’re an adult, then it’s recommended that you take at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep, but some may need just at least 6 hours, while some can do with more. The goal is to get the adequate number of hours you need to feel well-rested without feeling exhausted during the day or unable to get some shut-eye at night.

With adequate sleep every night you’re allowing your body’s cells, proteins, and immune system to better defend against common and seasonal illnesses like the colds or the flu. Sleep has also been linked to a number of benefits, like improved overall mood, cardiac strength, better memory, and even weight loss.

Limit Sugar Intake

You’ve probably heard the advice that it’s not wise to eat sugary drinks and food in excess. More than just its links to tooth decay, plaque, and cavities, excess consumption of sugar may actually contribute to aging and a reduced function of the active immune system. This occurs when bacteria and yeast found in the body will react to the body’s sugar content and lead to an imbalance.

While you may not totally be able to eliminate sugar from your diet, you can try to reduce your intake by eating your favorite snacks and drinks in moderation. For example, instead of munching on sweet snacks like cookies or sweetened biscuits daily, try limiting consumption to just once or twice a week.

Another alternative is to swap out these sugary treats with healthier alternatives that are just as delicious. If you’re a fan of milk chocolate, then you can try switching it with dark chocolate. Ice cream can be swapped with yogurt; cookies can be swapped with protein bars — it’s all about finding healthier versions of your favorite snacks.

Exercise

Many health experts have touted the health benefits of physical activity and for good reason. Aside from improving cardiovascular health, exercise is also known for boosting the immune system and arming it against harmful microbes that may negatively affect the body.

Exercise helps facilitate blood flow inside the body, which leads to increased oxygen circulation. This may lower your chances of developing heart diseases, lower cholesterol levels, and prevent a heart attack.

You don’t have to dive into an intensive exercise regimen, especially if you’re just starting — simple stretches at home or taking 30-minute light jogs or walks daily will do. When you’ve already built your body up, you can already move on to other intense exercises you can do comfortably.

Take Collagen Supplements

Taking dietary supplements is another way to help your immune system remain active. Supplements will usually come in tablet, powder, or juice form containing essential vitamins and nutrients that your body may need. For individuals struggling to meet daily recommended dietary requirements, supplements are a good way to meet health targets.

The Bona Vita Collagen Drink Mix with Guyabano, for example, is a collagen-based drink that contains vital proteins and amino acids that our body needs as we age. This is mainly due to the fact that our body is unable to produce enough collagen to reduce the effects of aging in the fight against certain bone diseases like osteoporosis.

This collagen drink has been formulated to supplant these gaps, by allowing the body to maintain bone, cartilage, joint, and teeth health. Containing glutamine — a key amino acid for the immune system — this collagen drink is the key to better immunity against diseases.

Find Time to Relax

It’s normal to be stressed out every once in a while but chronic stress may be exposing the body to hormones that may impair the immune system’s function and increase your vulnerability to diseases. Known stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline for example, when in heightened levels may lead to a number of health issues.

Even in a fast-paced environment, find time to relax in any way you can. You don’t have to continue pushing your body to its limits as this will eventually be detrimental in the long run. Make it a habit to seek moments of peace by engaging in fun hobbies, connecting with people, and slowing down the tempo.

Key Takeaway

Your immune system is the body’s first line of defense against a number of health hazards. If you think you haven’t been taking care of it by following a poor diet or living a sedentary lifestyle, remember that you can still change your ways.

There are some good choices that you can start following even as early as now. With these habits for boosting the immune system, you can not only make sure that it remains active and fully functioning, but also give your body the care it needs.