The Best Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Our immune system is our body’s warrior– part of an ongoing thread of combat against viruses, bacteria, and any other foreign illnesses that could jeopardize our health. 

It is crucial that we actively promote our immune health, especially during the winter months when cold weather poses an extra challenge to our wellness. There are countless ways to do this, plenty of which support our health in a plethora of ways. Check out these 7 ways that you can naturally boost your immune system to keep you healthy and feeling prime this winter!

SLEEP

Getting enough sleep each and every night may just be the easiest way to support your immune system. Additionally, it is important to listen to your body when you are feeling under the weather. If you are feeling sick, chances are you will feel inclined to sleep more than you usually do. Be sure to lean into this urge and take care of your body, even if that means you sleep for 11 hours each night instead of 7. 

HYDRATE 

Like sleep, hydration is a quintessential driving force to your health and fitness, especially when it comes to your immune system. Dehydration can take a heavy toll on your immune health, so drink plenty of water from the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed!

WHOLE FOODS DIET 

Whole plant foods are agents of magic for our bodies. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds are jam-packed with nutrients– including antioxidants. Antioxidants are anti-inflammatory and work to keep your body in check, while simultaneously combating chronic illnesses that could otherwise compromise your immune health!

LIMIT SUGAR INTAKE 

Sugar is sweet to the taste, but not so sweet to our bodies. Added sugar is a staple to processed foods and actively contributes to obesity, increasing your likelihood of getting sick. However, limiting your intake of added sugar can do so much more than promote a proportional body weight. Cutting out sugar can remedy heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. 

MOVEMENT 

Healthy movement (that is not too intense) is an amazing way to give your immune system a much-needed boost. In fact, engaging in moderate movement on a regular basis is an easy way to reduce inflammation, promote cell regeneration, and to create a cadence where catering to your body’s immune health is an ongoing process, and not a one-off. 

REDUCE YOUR STRESS

Reducing your stress is easier said than done, however, is something you should actively try to do to ensure your immune system is well taken care of. Stress and anxiety have been studied to show close proximity to immune health. In other words, the more stress and anxiety that you experience, the greater level of stress your immune system will experience. Try to incorporate stress-relieving practices into your daily routine that are proven to make you feel more at peace. This little daily switch may provide the boost your immune system is looking for. 

INVEST IN SUPPLEMENTS 

Supplements, when chosen appropriately, can provide your body with the necessary support that it needs to promote a high functioning immune system. A few supplements that have been extensively studied to do just this include zinc, elderberry, vitamin C, vitamin D, and even garlic! Check out the labels of your supplements to see if these nutrients are included. Chances are that some of them are in your daily multivitamin!