It might go down as the most Googled question of the century: how do I boost my immune system?
Your immune system - made up of white blood cells, antibodies, the lymphatic system, and more - is your body’s defense against infection. When you get sick, essentially, your immune system has failed. And especially in 2020, that’s not what we want. So what can you do to fight off infection?
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Half the battle of having a well-functioning immune system is one that you’ve heard before. Following healthy-living strategies is one of the most surefire ways to ensure your entire body is functioning properly. These include:
- Exercising regularly
- Not smoking
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Getting enough sleep per night
- Eating a healthy diet
Easier said than done, right? Still, there is no more simple to way to ward off germs and infections than keeping up your health during the day to day.
The Immune System Diet
There’s a reason mom and dad always told you to eat your fruits and vegetables. The nutrients have a major effect on your health and the function of your immune system. Eating less than the optimal amount can lead not only to a weak immune system, but also type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, and more.
You’re going to want to choose foods high in micronutrients in order to give your immune system a boost. Here are a few options for you to choose from:
- Zinc: Dark meat turkey, shellfish, chickpeas, oysters
- Vitamin B6: Chicken, bananas, potato skins, avocados, enriched cereals
- Vitamin C: Kiwi, broccoli, tomatoes, citrus, parsley, guava
- Vitamin E: Peanut butter, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, almonds
- Magnesium: Pumpkin seeds, spinach, cashews, peanuts, lima beans, dark leafy greens
Try Not to Stress
When we’re feeling stressed out, our immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is compromised. Ongoing stress can take a toll on your immune system in a variety of different ways. Your lowered defenses might lead to a common cold, upset stomach, hives, or even heart disease. All those facts probably stress you out - so how do you get less stressed?
One way to beat the vicious cycle is to know that you’re taking other steps to fight off the germs. When you’re eating vitamin rich foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep, you can rest assured that your immune system is getting the care it needs. If you can’t control your outside stressors, the work you’re doing in other areas should help ease some tension.
Literally, Give Yourself a Dose of Immunity
You can strengthen your immune system in many ways, but this way is all bottled up and ready to go. A dose of immunity contains herbal supplements scientifically proven to help your immune system fight off infection. Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Quercetin, Zinc, and Echinacea are all in the mix, fortifying your body and increasing your natural defenses. Micronutrient deficiencies have been shown to lead to infectious disease. That’s why you want to support a healthy diet with all the supplements you can get, and there’s nothing easier than taking a dose of immunity every day.
*Note: Lifestyle modification and supplements have not been proven to protect you from developing COVID-19.