The immune system is your body’s first line of defense against illnesses. It works to protect you against disease-causing microorganisms. Just as a security system works around the bank to provide protection, your immune system uses a system of chemicals and special proteins called ‘antibodies’ to shield your body from foreign invaders. This does not mean that the immune system goes to war with every foreign organism that enters your body. Instead, its role is to monitor, analyze and evaluate potential threats. The immune system destroys the threat while doing slight collateral damage to the body. This response is called ‘inflammation’.
Inflammation may occur in the form of a sore throat, stomach-ache, stuffy nose, fatigue, fever and a headache. Although the symptoms of an immune response may feel awful, but it helps to keep the rest of your body healthy for a long period of time. For overall health, it is important keep your immune system from failing.
As the immune system is a system and not a single entity, there are a number of things you can do to ensure your immunity system is balanced and nurtured well. Taking care of your body and building a strong immune system will help you prevent colds, the flu, and other infections. Start of with building a healthy lifestyle to get your immune system to function well naturally.
Focus on Gut Health
Up to 80% of your immune system is in your gut. Build a diet that consists of fiber-rich vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats. Following a Mediterranean or plant-based diet may have a protective effect. Fermented foods such as kimchi, kefir, miso and yogurt are also beneficial. Taking care of your liver is equally important as it filters the blood, breaks down fats, and removes excess cholesterol. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale can help increase your liver’s ability to naturally detox the body.
Learn more on how plant-based diets can benefit your health.
Build a Workout Regime
Being physically active can help you release stress hormones, clear airways and flush out bacteria from the body. It helps strengthen your bones and decreases your risk of developing heart disease. Make sure you don’t overdo it. Doing too many rigorous workouts may weaken the immune system, leaving you vulnerable against the flu and viruses.
Increase your Vitamin Intake
Vitamin C is one of the best immunity boosters of all time. Vitamin C builds your immunity by increasing the production of white blood cells that helps fighting infections. Citrus fruits like oranges, strawberries, lemon, kiwi and grapefruit are a great source of vitamin C. Taking Vitamin D, also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ can help your body from respiratory conditions. Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant that wards of body infections.
Sleep is your Magic Pill
Want a natural reboot to your system? Catch up on some sleep. Did you know that your chance of coming down with a cold is linked to how much you sleep? A study from UCSF, found that insufficient sleep, i.e. less than six hours a day made people four times more likely to catch a cold. It is essential to give your body a full night’s sleep and good rest to replenish cells and proteins.
Want to know more about how you can build your immunity for overall health? Talk to us at DrNewMed so we can build a plan unique to your bodily needs. Call us at 866-363-9633 or visit www.drnewmed.com to book an appointment with us.
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