Your lifestyle can affect how well your immune system can protect you from viruses, germs, and chronic illness. Interested in building your body’s defenses against sickness and germs? Focusing on immune boosters will help you stay healthy.
What are immune boosters? Immune boosters are foods, vitamins, minerals, and practices that support the immune system. The best immune boosters support and optimize your body’s defenses over the long haul.
The Immune System
Your body’s immune system is made up of proteins, cells, and organs that work together to protect you from getting sick. It protects you from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. There are two parts to your immune system —the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. You are born with the innate immune system. The adaptive immune system is created when your body is exposed to viruses and other invaders.
Best Immune Boosters
The best immune boosters enhance your adaptive and innate immune system. Here are some of the best ways to protect your immune system.
- Get Enough Zinc
Zinc supports many of the body’s functions. It is especially important to the immune system. Low zinc can threaten your immune system. Studies have shown that taking zinc can help heal wounds and fight infection. Zinc may reduce the number of upper respiratory infections and shorten the duration of the common cold.
- Quit Smoking
If you want to boost your immune system, quitting smoking is one of the best things to do. People who smoke are more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu. That is because smoking destroys antibodies in our bloodstream. Antibodies are the proteins produced by the immune system to fight germs and infections.
Quitting smoking isn’t easy. If you have tried unsuccessfully to quit, ask your doctor about a smoking cessation program or aid.
- Eat a Healthy Diet
When you eat an unhealthy diet, one that is high in processed foods, you deprive your immune system of the nutrients it needs to function properly. Therefore, eat a diet that is rich in nutrients and vitamins that your body needs. Look for foods that are high in vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, and beta-carotene.
- Reduce Alcohol Intake
Chronic alcohol use can put your immune health in jeopardy. Research has shown that alcohol can impact your body’s natural ability to protect itself from inflammation and infection. Limit alcohol use to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
- Get a Good Night's Rest
Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to immune system impairments. If you don’t get restful sleep, you will be more susceptible to colds and infections since sleep is when your body works its hardest to fight infection and inflammation.
While you sleep, your body releases toxins and repairs itself. People who have trouble sleeping may suffer from poor immune health. A lack of sleep can make it harder for your body to fight bacterial and viral infections. How much sleep do you need? The recommended amount of sleep for most adults is seven to eight hours per night.
- Take These 3 Vitamins on a Daily Basis
Although there are several vitamins and minerals that support our immune system, there are three that are really important —vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D.
These essential micronutrients have been found to support the numerous functions of both the adaptive and innate immune systems. Along with choosing nutrient-dense foods, it can be really helpful to supplement with these three daily.
- Don't Shy Away From Sunlight
Immune cells are positively affected by healthy vitamin D levels, which can be obtained in small amounts via the sunlight. In fact, vitamin D deficiency is associated with lower immune system functioning.
Spending time in nature and soaking up the sun safely are both valuable for overall well-being. However, one of the most optimal ways to raise and maintain your vitamin D levels is to supplement with vitamin D3.
The Takeaway
The immune system plays a critical role in helping the body fight off attacks from bacteria and viruses. And while there is no magic pill that can provide immunity, changes to your lifestyle and diet can strengthen your immune system's ability to protect you from illness.
Questions?
Chat or call (877) 659-6050. Our Wellness Advisors are ready to assist you.
About TeleWellnessMD® CLICK HERE to browse our products.
TelewellnessMD® provides consulting and program recommendations for general health, age management, nutrition and other wellness healthcare needs through an online platform and network of wellness medical providers.