Exercise
Regular moderate-intensity activity is a great way to support the immune system. The immune system is activated by muscle contractions, which increase blood flow and stimulate the release of cytokines and myokines. The immune system also responds to catecholamines that stimulate the deployment of lymphocytes. The immune system is responsible for preventing and fighting infections.
Research has shown that regular physical activity can reduce the level of inflammatory responses and reduce stress hormones. It also increases the levels of lymphocytes, NK cells, immature B cells, and monocytes. This means that exercise can help protect against COVID-19 infection and respiratory diseases.
Stress
Research shows that stress can affect the immune system. Although short-term stress is normal, chronic stress can have a negative effect on the immune system. It can suppress the body’s natural killer cells and lymphocytes, which are crucial to fighting infections. This can lead to increased risk of illness and disease.
In addition to causing a variety of symptoms, long-term stress weakens the immune system. It reduces the number of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that fight infections. These cells are responsible for fighting off diseases, including the common cold. With reduced lymphocyte counts, adults have a higher risk of getting the common cold. However, most people bounce back within seven to 10 days.
Herbs
Herbs are a fantastic way to support the immune system. They help to fight infections and relieve the symptoms of viral respiratory infections. Antimicrobial properties in many herbs promote lung and sinus function, while others aid in digestion. Healthy digestion helps the body eliminate toxins, which is critical for the immune system. Some of the best herbs for this purpose include echinacea, a native of the United States.
Herbal immune tonics have a long-lasting effect, so they should be taken regularly. Immunostimulating herbs are often taken at the first sign of illness. Basil is an excellent herb for this, as it supports the nervous and digestive systems. It can also help you release tension and boost your energy.
Avoiding processed foods
Keeping your immune system strong is vital, so avoiding processed foods is a good idea. Not only do they contain toxins that compromise the health of your body, but they also increase your risk of contracting chronic illnesses. Eating a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruits can help boost your immune system.
Many processed foods contain added sugars and other chemicals that are not found naturally in food. These chemicals, as well as preservatives and artificial flavors, irritate the body. They also increase inflammation, which in turn weakens your body’s ability to fight off illness. Avoiding processed foods is one of the easiest ways to boost your immune system, but you must be aware of what you can avoid.
Avoiding sugar
When it comes to supporting our immune system, one of the most important things we can do is to limit or avoid sugar. The sugars we consume in processed foods can have negative impacts on our health, including our immune system. Many health experts recommend that we limit our intake of sugars and consume more whole foods. These foods are full of vitamins and minerals, including beta carotene and zinc, which are critical to boosting our immune system.
We all love a good treat from time to time, but we also need to be mindful of our intake of sugars. It is important to remember that sugars are inflammatory and can harm our immune system. The best way to limit our intake of sugars is to eat them with a full meal. Eating a sweet treat on an empty stomach can cause the body to react by increasing its blood sugar levels.