8 Tips To Support Your Immune System
Posted by Danielle on
Summer is coming full speed ahead, and yes, we definitely still need to take precautions to stay safe, but it doesn’t need to be daunting! None of us REALLY know exactly what the future holds, BUT we do know that there’s no better time to be protecting and strengthening our immune systems.
So...what is an immune system, and what exactly does it do? According to Better Health, “The immune system is made up of special organs, cells and chemicals that fight infection (microbes). The main parts of the immune system are: white blood cells, antibodies, the complement system, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow. These are the parts of your immune system that actively fight infection. The immune system keeps a record of every microbe it has ever defeated, in types of white blood cells (B- and T-lymphocytes) known as memory cells. This means it can recognise and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again, before it can multiply and make you feel sick.”
Makes sense right? Don’t worry, we’re not going to get super clinical here...Boombod HQ is all about sharing practical tips to help keep your immune system strong and functioning properly! When you start to feel under the weather, what’s the first thing you reach for? Maybe it’s a hot tea with lemon and honey...or cold and flu pills straight away. Either way, we’ve all got different personal care rituals that help to keep us strong, energized and healthy. Unfortunately, there’s no magic pill for boosting immunity. BUT combine the below tips, and you’ll be an immune boosting superstar in no time! Let’s get into it👇
TAKE VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS
While vitamins can be found in the food you eat each day, it’s hard to make sure you’re getting the necessary amounts or daily suggested value that way. Taking Vitamin C and D in the form of a supplement can help with normal functioning of the immune system while Iron helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue. Loads of people use Zinc to help with cognitive functioning and immune support! Consider taking a Multi-Vitamin or using products that already have these vitamins and minerals in them - like Boombod!
EAT A HEALTHY DIET OF IMMUNE BOOSTING FOODS
Loading up on fruits and veggies is not a new concept. Antioxidants found in rich coloured foods have grown in popularity in recent years. When choosing what to eat, an overall healthy diet is more important than choosing one specific food that helps to boost immunity. However, choosing dark and leafy fruits and veggies will help provide you with extra vitamins and minerals, keeping your immune system in top shape!
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT
Extra body weight adds stress on your entire body and its systems. Obesity can weaken the bodies immune system and reduce its ability to fight off infections, according to this article. So what can you do about it? Change your diet, exercise a little more each day and consider using a natural weight management aid such as Boombod. Individuals struggling to maintain their weight or lose weight quickly and healthily are opting for products that are free of laxatives and caffeine, which is one of the reasons why Boombod has become the go-to weight loss solution for so many.
GET QUALITY SLEEP
Maybe this isn’t a full 8 hours for you, and that’s okay! You know your body best, for most adults a good night's sleep is anywhere from 7-9 hours. It’s also good to pay attention to how you’re feeling in the morning - when you wake up do you feel groggy or are you ready for the day? This can help you gauge whether or not you’re getting an adequate amount of sleep!
USE HERBAL REMEDIES
Herbs and alternative medicine have been around for ages and used for their immune boosting properties. Consider adding remedies like Echinacea, oil of oregano, garlic, ginger and Elderberry to your daily routine. Many of these herbal remedies come in an oil, capsule form making them easy to take!
STAY HYDRATED
Staying hydrated helps your body to naturally eliminate toxins and other bacteria that can make you sick. Stick to water whenever possible and avoid juices and sodas with added sugars.
BREAK A SWEAT
Exercising on a regular basis helps to boost blood flow, which also helps to circulate white blood cells through the body. So your body responds to exercise by producing more white blood cells which make up the part of the immune system that protects the body against disease.
WASH YOUR HANDS
Minimizing the risk of coming in contact with germs and bacteria can do wonders for protecting your immune system. So be sure to wash your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and warm water. Hand sanitizer is great to have around for those times when you aren’t close to a sink and some soap!
We know this hasn’t been easy, and we’re not out of the woods yet with the virus, BUT it’s up to us to do whatever we can to keep ourselves as strong and healthy as possible. Be sure to follow the tips above to help support your immune system and let us know what your favourite immune boosting secrets are in the comments below 👇
