There are many natural ways to boost your immune system in this era of heightened anxiety.
These days, people are more focused on individual and public health than at any other point in recent history. While your own health will always be somewhat influenced by factors beyond your control like family history and genetics, there are certain steps that you can take to encourage better responses from your immune system. Best of all, most of these steps are not difficult. Changing your habits and focusing on your daily decisions will often yield the best results for your health and the success of your immune system.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Drinking
It is no secret that smoking cigarettes is an unhealthy habit. Still, people can fall into the pattern for many different reasons, and plenty wish to quit without knowing how to find success. If you are someone who smokes, another reason to think about stopping is that it inhibits the way your immune system performs. Cigarettes contain so many deadly toxins, that the body needs to send agents to purify the blood after each puff. With your body focused on these actions, it might not have the available energy to combat a common cold or flu strain when exposed.
In addition, excessive drinking is notoriously bad for the performance of your immune system. Much like cigarettes, alcohol is essentially poison to the human body. To prevent the liquor from killing you, the liver acts as a way of safely passing it through the system. It can only do this in moderation, however. Excessive drinking puts a strain on your liver that easily compromises your entire immune system and makes it easier to contract an array of common illnesses.
Be Discerning With Supplements
Supplements might also be worth your consideration. However, you need to be wary. Most health supplements are not approved by the FDA, and the companies selling these products can only use anecdotal evidence in promoting the items. This means you can feel somewhat safe taking a vitamin C supplement, as this vitamin has been well researched and evidence suggests it is crucial for healthy immune function. Minerals and extracts with fewer scientific studies behind them, conversely, should be considered with caution. Some brands will use solitary studies to make product claims, which is not a wise way of gauging effectiveness.
Reduce Your Stress Levels to Give Your Immune System A Boost
Stress is another factor that can impact your immune system in a negative way. Multiple studies conducted over the years connect stress with immune activation and inflammation. What’s worse, feeling anxious or frustrated for too long can encourage insomnia. Failure to get proper rest compromises your immune system even more and can cause a bit of stress to manifest into actual illness. While it might not be simple, actively trying to reduce stress can help. Turn off the news, get away from social media, dedicate an hour a day to being alone, or find your own suitable way to decompress.
Practice Proper Hygiene
Washing your hands is always going to be your best defense when it comes to protecting your immune system. The more you wash, the less your system has to work to combat viruses and bacteria you come in contact with on a regular basis. Getting into the habit of showering or bathing immediately after work or being engaged in physical activity is also helpful. When the body is hot and sweaty, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to invade and thrive. Hop in the tub and scrub it all away to stay fresh and feel your best.
While there are endless products on the market aiming to help you maintain your health, the best way to do this is usually through your daily habits. For additional advice, consult with your primary care physician and learn how you might be able to improve your current efforts.
