4 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Your immune system is complex. It’s designed to fight off a plethora of intruders, meaning that it needs to be as responsive and adaptive as possible. Despite its complexity, however, boosting your immune system is relatively simple. Here are some methods of doing so:

Get more than enough sleep every night

Many important activities that are crucial to your health take place within your body when you’re sleeping. That’s why everyone absolutely needs it to function. One of these activities is the production of infection-fighting molecules. When this aspect of immune system maintenance doesn’t happen (or happens at a reduced capacity), it puts you at a higher risk of getting sick. Getting proper sleep every night gives your immune system its best fighting chance of fending off infection.

Eat a healthy diet

A well-balanced diet is a central key to being healthy in general, but it’s especially important for maintaining a healthy immune system. A healthy diet will not only provide your immune system with the energy it needs to operate, it’ll also ensure that you’re receiving the proper nutrients to keep it in top shape, such as vitamins B6, C, and E. You can find these nutrients in bananas, citrus fruit, and peanut butter, respectively.

Stay hydrated

There is a fluid in everyone’s circulatory system called lymph. It carries important immune cells throughout your body, ensuring that your immune system has the mobility it needs to detect infections as soon as possible. Here’s the thing: lymph is largely made up of water. This means that if you’re dehydrated, it won’t be as effective at doing its job. Make sure you drink plenty of water each day to prevent this.

Reduce stress

Stress is different for everyone, but it has proven effects on many different aspects of your health. One of these effects is suppressing your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Whenever possible, focus on stress relief. Meditate, get extra sleep, talk to a friend, or do whatever else that helps you relax. You should try to cut out as many stressors in your life as possible as well.

There are many “tips and tricks” you may find online regarding how to boost your immune system. In reality, you don’t need any tricks. All you need to do is take care of yourself. Keep stress at bay, sleep well, drink water, eat healthy food, and your immune system will do its best to take care of the rest.