5 SIMPLE WAYS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

The immune system of our body works as a protective shield against the viruses and bacteria that cause fever, colds, flu, and defends us against chronic diseases. But our immune system tends to slow down as we age. Therefore, to maintain a healthy immune system, we need to keep our body healthier and stronger so that it is always ready to fight off any infections. While strengthening your immunity is easier said than done, several dietary and lifestyle changes may improve the functioning immune system and help it to fight harmful disease-causing organisms.

Here are some simple tips to keep your immune system strong naturally —

Maintain A Healthy Diet

Following a balanced diet is the greatest way to get all the essential micronutrients, vitamins and minerals our body needs to function properly. The most crucial vitamins are Vitamin C, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, and , Omega-3. People sometimes take supplements to fulfill their neutritional needs but it is wise to get the nutrients from healthy sources keep your immune system strong. Here’s a list of healthy foods that you should include more in your diet —

§  Whole and enriched grains and cereals

§  Lean meat and poultry

§  Fresh leafy green vegetables

§  Organic butter, ghee, and cheese

§  Eggs

§  Milk and yogurt

§  Fatty fish, shellfish, and seafood

§  Nuts and seeds

§  Iodized salt

§  Chickpeas and soy products

§  Citrus fruit

Try to fill your plate with these foods and try to limit processed food and added sugars as much as possible.

Stay Active And maintain A Healthy Weight

It’s no secret that staying active with exercises and other physical activities is the key to a healthy life. Exercise boosts your overall blood circulation making it easier for antibodies and white blood cells to travel easily and quickly throughout the body. Also, It helps reduce the stress hormone and thus Lowers your risks of getting sick. So, try to design an exercise schedule and stick to it for the long term.

Get Enough Sleep

Sometimes you just need to stay relaxed and do nothing to allow your body to rest and reboot the system. According to studies, people who don't get an adequate amount of sleep, are more prone to getting sick. So, it is important that you get minimum 7 hours of sleep to strengthen your immune system so that it can fight off infection and illness.

Keep Stress Under Control

We experience stress at every phase of our life. As it has become a part and parcel of our life, we often overlook how negative stress is affecting our physical and mental health. When we are stressed, our body produces a certain stress hormone called cortisol which can be harmful to immune functions. So try to minimize stress by engaging in some relaxation practices like meditation or breathing exercise.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Keeping yourself hydrated and well-nourished is vital for healthy living. Drinking water in various forms has endless benefits to your immune system as well. Liquids work as a media to carry oxygen in your body cells, which supports optimal functioning of the systems.  In addition water, fruit juice, vegetable smoothies, and detox drinks help flush out toxins from our body and boost our immunity.

Follow these 5 simple tips and continue regular health checkups, your immune system will be as at in good form even in your 70’s.