Boosting your immune system is one of the best things you can do for your body. As well as being healthier and fighting back common contagious illnesses, infections, viruses and diseases, an improved immune system will boost your self-esteem, confidence and improve your mental health. Here are a few things you can implement in your life to boost your immune system.
We all know the old adage of “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, and this isn’t something to be scoffed at. Increasing your fruit and vegetable intake in your diet is one of the healthiest things you can do as they contain vitamins A, B, C and many minerals that help fight infection, boost energy levels and promote a healthy heart, brain and other organs.
Eating or drinking too much sugar decreases the number of cells in the immune system that attacks bacteria. With this in mind, frequent sugar intake can seriously and consistently compromise your immune system. As well as attacking your immune system, sugar also weakens your gut health, can contribute to poor skin, teeth and gums, and generally make you feel fatigued.
A tired body is an unhealthy body. If you’re frequently not getting enough sleep, this means your tired state is too weak to fight off illness or viruses. Not enough sleep also raises stress hormones and can manifest itself, which won’t help diseases such as dementia, diabetes, the risk of obesity, depression and anxiety.
On the subject of stress, aim to reduce your stress levels in order to boost your immune system. Unfortunately, stress is a fact of life and everyone experiences it, but chronic stress can lead to more serious issues. The stress hormone attacks the immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness. Some ways you can combat stress levels include learning to meditate, making changes and slowing down your daily life, connecting with others and, if serious, talking to someone like a GP or counsellor.
Your health is the most important thing in life, so treat your body well for a longer, happier life. At Duality Health, we can offer advice on how to live a healthier life. From general GP practice to more specific medical services, book an appointment today or get in touch.