In simple terms, the immune system does a great job of keeping our bodies healthy and preventing infections. The immune system is made up of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs. It works towards defending people against germs and microorganisms every day. Sometimes, problems with the immune system can lead to its breakdown, malfunction, illness and infection.
The immune system is the body’s defence against infection and illness. It recognises the cells that make up your body, and will try to get rid of anything unfamiliar like germs (bacteria and viruses), parasites, organisms and other substances that can invade our systems and cause disease.
We are continually exposed to these organisms and whether or not they lead to a disease or sickness is in the hands of our body’s defence mechanisms – immune system. Ideally, our immune system. When our immune system is working properly, we don’t even notice it. But when we have an under- or over-active immune system, we are at a greater risk of developing infections and other health conditions. It is in situations like this we start seeking for ways and methods to boost our immune system. If only we knew of the following ways, our immune system would have been protected from sickness.
See our 5 ways on how you can boost your immune system
- Go Healthy –
Your first line of defence is to choose a healthy lifestyle.
Go the old fashioned, tested and trusted way: a healthy diet and exercise. It’s worth trying and will keep you much healthier in the long run. An eating plan rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will defend your body against germs and provide you with the nutrients your immune system needs. Following general good-health guidelines is one of the best steps you can take naturally towards keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Don’t smoke, consume foods low in saturated fat and exercise regularly. It’s also good to maintain your blood pressure and a healthy weight. Drink alcohol only in moderation. Get enough sleep. Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands with plain soap and water, using hand sanitizers frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
- Herbs and other supplements –
Herbs such as garlic, ginger, ginseng etc support immunity. Multivitamin supplements also have great immune boosting capabilities. Multivitamin supplements also augment micronutrients present in the body. When micronutrients become deficient, immunity can become suppressed, leaving the body vulnerable to infections. The simplest way to enhance immunity and ensure sufficient levels of these various vitamins and minerals in the body is to take multivitamins. This boosts the level of your overall immunity and your body in general. Do you know about our Supramult supplement? See more information on it HERE
- Citrus fruits
Are by far one of the biggest immune system boosters of all. They are popular for building up your immune system and contain Vitamin C which increases the production of white blood cells and are key to fighting infections. Popular citrus fruits include: Grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes, strawberries, bell peppers etc.
Because our body doesn’t produce or store it, we need them daily for continued good health. A lack of vitamin C can even make you more prone to getting sick.
- Reduce stress levels
Stress overload causes an increase in the Cortisol hormone and prolonged elevation of this hormone level suppresses the body’s immune function. When stress is prolonged or unrelenting, it becomes known as chronic stress. Chronic, or bad, stress can be detrimental to both mental and physical health and people who suffer from chronic stress risk high blood pressure, heart disease and digestive problems. High stress levels triggers chemical reactions, decreases inflammation, decreases white blood cells and NK cells (special cells that kill cancer), increases tumor development and growth, and increases the rate of infection and tissue damage. We don’t want any of these hence why we recommend reducing stress levels through simple relaxation exercise, meditations, yoga, positive thinking, you name it. Being around good people also help reduce negative events and stress.
- Maintain a clean environment
Air pollution, water pollution, and exposure to filth all work against the effectiveness of your immune system. Maintain and live in a clean thriving environment. Bad air, stagnant water, smoke, dust amongst other environmental hazards are dangerous to your immune system and body in general.