The air we breathe nowadays is full of potential pathogens. With our environment, food, and air replete with unseen dangers, our bodies constantly encounter many bacteria, viruses, and fungal spores. So how do we walk through all this with our health usually unscathed? We owe this favor to our immune system, which defends our body against invading pathogens and other potential dangers. Good health is the basis of all good things in life, so our immune system surely deserves some support to keep up the work! What can be better than natural remedies in this regard that have no consequences on health? If this idea sounds appealing to you, try to incorporate these lifestyle changes and see a significant improvement in your immunity.
- Keep Yourself Physically Active:
A physically active routine has much more perks than enhanced stamina and muscle build-up. Our immune system also responds to our daily physical activities, the extent of which depends upon its duration and the physiological stress your body undergoes. So if you have a sedentary lifestyle, make up for it by dedicating some time to daily exercise, preferably early in the morning. This healthy routine can guarantee a healthy body, aiding in disease prevention and recovery. From common colds to the deadliest cancers, such as mesothelioma, the immune system is the only weapon against them. Although there are many treatment options, they will not be as effective if you have a weak body. They need a strong backup from our immune system to contain and eliminate the disease. For example, if you gather information about remission of mesothelioma, you will realize that exercise has a crucial role in improving its chances. With a long history of physical activeness, your immune system will be strong enough not to give in without a tough fight.
A mild or vigorous aerobic exercise of less than an hour will increase the antipathogenic activity of the immune cells and decrease inflammation. It will boost the count of many immune cells that play essential roles in defense and metabolic health. If you are consistent with your exercise, these transient immune responses will improve immune surveillance against pathogens in the long term. So while snuggling under the covers in the early morning is appealing, you will soon find yourself eager to toss them away once you experience the health benefits of exercising.
- Sleep Well:
It is the most convenient way of boosting your immune system. Follow a good sleep schedule to give your immune system a much-needed push! Sleep time is your body’s chance to undergo restoration processes, including those of the immune system. Constant sleep deprivation can make you more vulnerable to diseases and delay recovery if you are already diseased. So ensure you do not let your sleep cycle go ignored. Good sleep includes sleeping at the right time and for an appropriate duration, approximately seven hours for an adult. A healthy sleep cycle can result in immune changes similar to those observed through a healthy diet. So have some sleep, and fight off the diseases!
- Eat Foods Rich in Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are substances that remove free radicals produced as waste materials of respiration from our cells. Failing to it leads to cell and tissue death. Our immune cells are sensitive to these toxic free radicals and require a high level of antioxidants to avoid suppression of the immune system. To aid it in this regard, provide it with an external supply of antioxidants. You can do this by intaking vitamin A, C, and E, beta-carotene, etc., from natural sources like dairy products, most fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Maintain a Healthy Gut Microbiome:
We usually view microorganisms as hostile beings that spread diverse and incomprehensible diseases. While that is true, some microorganisms also work to promote our health! The gut microbiome is a population of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that occupy our intestinal tract. They have a crucial role in the regulation of our immune system.
To maintain a healthy gut microbiome, take food rich in probiotics, i.e., beneficial bacteria, and prebiotics, i.e., fibers to feed these bacteria. There are many supplements available for both of them. But before you rush off to buy them, remember that these are naturally present in certain foods. Fermented foods such as yogurt are a good source of probiotics such as Lactobacillus. Likewise, foods rich in prebiotics include vegetables, fruits, and legumes, such as oats, bananas, garlic, onions, etc. A balanced intake of these will ensure a well-developed gut microbiome and, in turn, a robust immune system
- Reduce Stress:
Psychological well-being directly co-relates with a healthy immune system. Have you ever noticed that depression, loneliness, and hopelessness often shove a person deep into the disease they are fighting? Being on good terms with your mind comes a long way in turning tables for you to battle against infectious and non-infectious diseases. You can do this by fostering healthy relationships, remaining connected socially, and approaching life with a positive outlook.
Conclusion:
Young age and health often mask the importance of small things that are very impactful when we see their cumulative effect. You might be going well without these extra steps to strengthen your immunity. However, as age progresses or disease hits, the previously insignificant things can become a life saver for you. So think ahead, and you can help your immune system become stronger with only a few changes in your lifestyle!
