6 Ways To Boost Your Immune System
The notion of staying healthy has never felt more important than it does at a time like this. As states lift their at home orders and we take baby steps back into a new reality, remaining health conscious will still be a priority. Although I don’t have a degree in medicine, I wanted to share some easy immune boosting tips that we can all easily add into our everyday lifestyle.
You Are What You Eat
The way you fuel your body matters and has an affect on your immune system. There are easy diet shifts to make to ensure that your body has a chance to relish in nutritious and delicious foods. For starters, incorporating more whole plant foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds) is a great way to give your body foods that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants which can help fight off harmful pathogens. Healthy fats are also a key component in a balanced diet. Food items such as avocados and salmon have the tendacy to boost your bodies immune system by decreasing inflammation. The below are other foods that are said to have immunity benefits:
Ginger! Why? It has anti-bacterial properties. You can incorporate ginger into your cooking or by adding some into your tea.
Turmeric! Why? It is a great immune booster that can be added to soup, rice or roasted vegetables.
Green tea! Why?An easy immune boosting drink to incorporate into your daily routine
Water Is Your Best Friend
While staying hydrated may not directly protect you from germs, it is a key ingredient to your overall health. Dehydration can cause headaches while also affecting your mood, focus, digestion and kidney function. If you need the extra reminder, the below water jugs make hitting your suggested water intake a bit more fun! For the days where you’re looking for a bit more flavor, you can simply add a slice of lemon and a few mint leaves for a refreshing taste! Also adding in hydration multiplier can do the trick ! I enjoy the flavors of Liquid IV sticks. Plus, they are easy to throw in your bag for on the go! (discount code: MILLENNIALMISS)
* each bottle linked for easy shopping *
Take Your Vitamins
Using supplements wisely can reflect huge benefits when it comes to building a strong immune system. While each of our bodies may require a different dosage supplement, here are a few suggestions that may strengthen your body's general immune response:
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Zinc
Elderberry
Echinacea
Probiotics
Each of these supplements contains their own unique way of prepping your body to fight any intruders. Two of my favorite brands supplement brands are Ancient Nutrient ++ Ritual.
Catch Your Z's
Research shows that insufficient sleep is linked to a higher susceptibility to sickness. Rest is crucial for your mind and body to continue to work at the speed and strength that you demand it to. It is suggested that adults should aim to get 7 or more hours of sleep a night. If you have trouble sleeping, give these suggestions a try:
limit screen time an hour before bed
sleep in a completely dark room or use a sleep mask
go to sleep at the same time every night
practice mindfulness or meditation
what what you eat and when
So, enjoy getting cozy under the covers and know that while you're catching z's you're also helping your body naturally boost it's immune system.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Exercising has a laundry list of benefits for your overall health. Eating well combined with moving your body are a dynamic duo that your immune system will thank you for. There will be days where you would rather bang your head against a wall than lace of your tennis shoes and that’s where your will power will set in. It may sound totally cheesy but there will never be a workout that you regret doing so throw your hair in a pony tail and get moving. My hot tip for ensuring your workouts don’t get pushed to the side is scheduling them into your day and viewing them as an important meeting that you can’t afford to cancel. Pop your workout time slot into your gmail calendar and make it happen.
Manage Your Stress Levels
Believe it or not, stress levels have a direct correlation to your health. Finding ways to relieve stress and anxiety is a key factor in keeping your immune levels on the healthy side of the spectrum. Research indicates that long-term stress promotes imbalances in immune cell function so want to focus on ways to combat stress, in a health manner. If you aren’t sure how to manage your stress, here are some ideas to get you started:
exercise regularly
write in a journal
dive into a yoga practice
find a creative outlet
lean on a trusted friend
read these articles:
10 Ways To Destress Right Now
If You’re Having A Shitty Day, Read This
Foods That Will Help You Keep Your Cool
Overwhelmed With Life? Here’s What To Do
What are your go to health tips? Chime off below in the comments section.
