There are a number of different ways to support your immune system. Some of these strategies include exercise, diet, and taking vitamins. There are also certain herbs you can take. These herbs can boost your immune system. Taking the proper vitamins and minerals can also help. But it is essential to remember that the best way to boost your immune system is through a combination of these strategies.
Exercise
A moderate-to-vigorous level of physical activity is a great way to support your immune system. Exercise helps increase circulation of immune cells throughout the body, and this helps prepare the body for future infections. It also boosts cellular immunity. Moderate-to-vigorous exercise may help you fight off colds and flu. This is especially important in the current COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to note that exercising too much can lower your immune system, so choose an activity that will be a good fit for you.
Exercising regularly can increase your immune system’s function and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Researchers have also found that exercise can enhance the release of certain cytokines in the body. These cytokines stimulate the immune system, which helps it fight infections.
Diet
One of the best ways to boost the immune system is to eat more whole foods. These contain more fiber and nutrients than many processed foods. Avoid eating sugary foods and read labels carefully. You may also want to add garlic to your diet. It has been found to reduce the number of colds in adults.
A healthy diet is essential for a strong immune system, which helps protect you from seasonal illnesses and other health problems. There is no single food or supplement that can protect you from illness, but a balanced diet with plenty of nutrient-dense foods is the best way to promote a strong immune response. Protein is particularly important for immune system health, as well as for the healing process.
Herbs
The best way to build a healthy immune system is through diet and exercise, but you may also want to consider using herbal supplements. Herbs are known to help the immune system, and some are able to support the immune system by boosting the body’s natural defenses. Some herbs support the immune system internally, while others are able to act as aromatherapy or topical treatments.
Elderberry, for example, is loaded with antioxidants and can help fight infection and inflammation. You can consume elderberry in a variety of forms, including juice or tea. But it’s most effective if you consume it fresh. Another great herb is astragalus, which is used in Chinese medicine for a variety of health benefits. It boosts the immune system by increasing the white blood cell count. Astragalus is available in a capsule, tea, or as a powder.
Vitamins
There are many ways to support your immune system, including a variety of foods and supplements. Fortunately, they don’t all have to be taken in large doses. Instead, you can choose the foods and supplements that you enjoy and that your health care provider recommends. By ensuring you have a balanced diet, you can make sure your immune system is working at its best all year long.
While vitamins and minerals are important for maintaining good health, they can also be helpful during times of illness. For example, vitamin C can decrease the length and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, and black elderberry is a popular antiviral and antibacterial supplement. It has been used to treat a variety of infections and is now being studied for its immune-boosting properties. Its extract is a natural antioxidant and has been shown to improve the immune system’s response.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral that supports the healthy functions of the immune system. It is required by the body to synthesize proteins and is a catalyst for nearly 100 enzymes. In addition to its role in maintaining immune system health, zinc also plays a role in the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.
Zinc supports immunity by controlling the intracellular concentration of free zinc. This is controlled by three different mechanisms. They include transport through the plasma membrane, buffering by metallothionein, and binding to the zinc-binding proteins, zincosomes and metallothionein (MT). MT regulates the activity of several signaling molecules in the immune system, including the T cell receptor and MKP-phosphatase.
The production of cytokines by monocytes is stimulated by intracellular free zinc. Higher concentrations of zinc inhibit cytokine production. In addition, zinc inhibits cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and activates protein kinase A. T cells, however, are only indirectly affected by zinc. Monocytes play a central role in the production of IL-1 and IL-6.