The immune system helps the body defend against disease-causing microorganisms but its ability to function depends on how strong it is. Sometimes, the immune system fails to defend you from these microorganisms, especially when it has been compromised. However, you can play your part in ensuring that your immune system works as effectively as it should and fight viruses.
Here are some ways to do that:
1. Know the Basics
The first step to boosting your immune system to fight viruses is by keeping it safe. Protect your immune system by practicing frequent handwashing, exercising, avoiding contaminated areas, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and eating healthy. You should also avoid smoking and if you must drink alcohol, ensure it is in moderation.
2. Have Good Nutrition
Your nutrition plays a vital role in how your immune system fights against viruses and most people with flu symptoms sometimes take vitamin supplements to improve. A Harvard review on nutrition and immunity shows how certain dietary patterns may help prepare the body for microbial attacks and excess inflammation. The review further listed some nutrients that contribute to the growth and function of the immune system; this includes vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, and protein.
The ketogenic diet has gotten popular lately and is known for its many benefits but does keto boost the immune system? There might be debates over several diet plans but what's more important is that you eat enough nutrients to keep your immune system healthy.
3. Use Supplements
In addition to good nutrition, you could also take supplements to ensure you are getting the required amount of nutrients your body needs. Vitamin C, vitamin D, turmeric, echinacea, and garlic are some of the vitamin and mineral supplements with immune-boosting properties.
4. Manage Your Stress
Chronic stress is likely to affect the immune system and cause a significant change in leukocyte distribution in the body,. It is important to know how to respond to stress, especially if you can't do away with the stressor. There are several ways you can manage stress and this includes regular exercise, practicing relaxation techniques, eating healthily, keeping a positive attitude, and more.
5. Get an Adequate Amount of Sleep
A study on sleep and the immune system shows sleep and the circadian system to be strong regulators of immunological processes. Sleep is also one of the most potent stress-relievers and if you regularly get a good amount of sleep, your immune system would improve. You are required to sleep for about 8 hours daily to get maximum benefits. To get quality sleep, ensure you turn off every form of light, including your devices, at least 30 minutes earlier.
Conclusion
While the immune system has been built to naturally fight against microorganisms in the body, you can also play your part in ensuring it does its work effectively. These five vital tips might just be what you need to prevent any form of viral infection in your system.
