The immune system is made up of special organs, cells, and chemicals that fight infection.
Photo via Everyday Health
According to the Better Health Channel, the main parts of the immune system that actively fight infections are white blood cells, antibodies, the complement system, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow.
Our immune system also keeps a record of every microbe it has ever defeated, in types of white blood cells, also known as the memory cells. This means that your body can recognise and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again, before it can multiply and make you sick. How cool is that?
So, if you’re wondering if you can boost your immune health, there are researches that said several dietary and lifestyle changes can strengthen your body’s natural defenses and help you fight harmful pathogens or disease-causing organisms.
Here are several tips to strengthen your immunity naturally, according to Healthline:
#1 Get enough sleep
Sleep and immunity are closely tied together.
Inadequate or poor-quality sleep is linked to a higher susceptibility to sickness. So, getting adequate rest may strengthen your natural immunity. Also, you may sleep more when sick to allow your immune system to better fight the illness.
Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night!
#2 Eat more whole plant foods
Don’t neglect your fruits and veggies, guys!
Whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that may give you an upper hand against harmful pathogens.
The fruit and vegetables you consume are also rich in vitamin C, which may reduce the duration of the common cold.
#3 Manage your stress level
Relieving stress and anxiety is the key to immune health!
Long-term stress promotes inflammation, as well as imbalances in the immune cell function. Try meditating, writing in a journal, read a book, or yoga to help you cope with stress.
#4 Stay hydrated
Drink water! And a lot of it...
Hydration doesn’t necessarily protect you from germs and viruses, but preventing dehydration is important to your overall health.
Dehydration can cause headaches and hinder your physical performance, focus, mood, digestion, and heart and kidney failure, and these complications can increase your susceptibility to illness.
#5 Engage in moderate exercises
Moderate exercises can help boost your immune system.
Some studies indicate that even a single session of moderate exercise can boost the effectiveness of vaccines in people with compromised immune systems. Moreover, regular, moderate exercises may reduce inflammation and help your immune cells regenerate regularly.
So, instead of using the lift at your workplace every day, why not use the stairs instead!
Although none of these suggestions can prevent you from contracting the COVID-19 virus, they may reinforce your body’s defenses against harmful pathogens. Hope this helps!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
