Six Tips to Help Enhance Immunity
The immune system is a complex system that helps the body protect itself from and fight disease and infection. Our immune systems fight everything from the more common cold and flu to more serious conditions like HIV and cancer. While vaccinations are by far the best way to obtain immunity from diseases, there are other ways to help enhance immunity. Here are 6 tips to naturally help enhance your body’s immunity to various diseases and infections.
- Eat Well
To support optimal immune function, it’s important to eat well to provide proper nutrients to the body. It’s also important to note that too much of some vitamins and minerals can be harmful to the body. If you think you may need nutritional supplements, talk to your health care provider.
Eating well means having a healthy variety in your diet. This means eating a healthy variety of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free milk/milk products. It’s important to limit salt, added sugars, cholesterol, and saturated fats.
- Be Physically Active
In addition to providing physical and immunity benefits, exercising provides mental benefits by releasing chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. Exercising regularly helps you sleep and feel better as well as reduce anxiety. The combination of regular physical activity and eating well can help maintain a healthy weight. Following the physical activity recommendations for your age results in both immediate and long-term benefits. Recent research shows that regular exercise can benefit immunity.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight can affect how your body and immune system function. Defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more in adults, obesity is linked to impaired immune functions. It can also lower the effectiveness of vaccines for numerous diseases, including the flu (Influenza), Hepatitis B, and Tetanus. Engaging in regular physical activity, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress are all save ways to maintaining a healthy weight.
- Get Enough Sleep
A good night’s sleep is critical for good health. According to research, 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep. At least 7 hours of sleep a night will promote optimal health and well-being. Scientific research also shows that sleep loss can negatively affect various parts of your immune system, which can lead to developing a wide variety of disorders.
- Quit or Avoid Smoking/Vaping
Smoking/Vaping can make the body less successful at fighting diseases and infections. It also increases the risk for immune system problems, including rheumatoid arthritis.
- Avoid Too Much Alcohol
Over time, drinking too much can weaken the immune system and lead to the development of liver diseases.
If you aren’t feeling well remember your local Covenant Health Urgent Care is always happy to help! Our urgent care centers are open every day of the week 8:00 am to 8:00 pm- No appointment necessary! We look forward to helping you Get Better. Faster!
https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/enhance-immunity/index.html
