6 Simple Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Written by: Luke Douglas

While those of us lucky enough to be in the Land of Down Under are prepping for yet another sizzling summer, the rest of the world is struggling with all the challenges of fall. But no season should be underestimated when it comes to its impact on our well-being, hence the need to constantly improve our immune system battle plan, and use the most natural, effective ways to stay healthy and strong.

Of all the healthy habits you could possibly introduce to your life, this is the one that should never be taken for granted.

Sleep is the time of day when your body heals from all the physical strain you’ve been through while awake, and it serves to detox your internal organs and get you ready for another day of challenges.

But it’s not just about quantity, because frequently-interrupted sleep and irregular sleeping patterns can do the same damage as not sleeping enough.

So, make sure to do yourself a favor, craft a solid sleeping schedule (keep in mind that most of us operate best when we’re asleep from 11pm to 7am), and stick to it! Consistency will make your efforts worthwhile.

Most of us have a bottle of fresh water while we’re at the gym, or during our morning job around the block, but what about the rest of your day?

Your body craves water, even when you’re fast asleep, and you need to stay hydrated in order for your immune system to ward off unwanted microbial visitors.

You can start your mornings with a glass of previously boiled warm water with one half of fresh lemon juice, and some ginger if you want to give it an added kick.

The warm water will help your digestive tract start properly, while lemon and ginger will give you a strong immune boost and plenty of vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy.

While the importance of a healthy diet cannot be overstated, there are certain steps you can take to increase the effectiveness of your nutrition.

By introducing certain foods, you can take your diet to a whole new level of healthy! A perfect example is consuming organic apple cider vinegar on a daily basis, either in your salad, and even a few sips on its own will supply your body with many nourishing enzymes, vitamins and minerals needed for maintaining and improving your resilience.

On the other hand, eating garlic on a regular basis will serve as your best chance to fight off the attacks on your well-being.

Sure, it may not smell as divine as we’d like, but it’s a powerful ingredient to your daily meals, and a delicious one at that.

Various mushroom such as the famous shitake can do wonders for your health as well, especially if you can find safe, organic ones you can munch on raw.

Another humble food group that’s often overlooked, yet immensely powerful for your immune system are probiotics, typically found in dairy products such as yoghurt or kefir.

Since approximately 80% of your immune system resides in your gastrointestinal tract, it’s essential to keep your belly happy and functioning well with the right ingredients.

Prebiotics found in vegetables and fruits will feed your digestive tract, while probiotics will enrich your existing gut flora, thus helping you stay healthy.

But fear not, you needn’t rely on supplements alone to get the best perks of probiotics – you can also ferment your own veggies and ensure you have a hefty supply to last you the whole winter!

Spending time in the sun is an essential human need, but the more often you do it, the greater the benefits you’ll reap.

Surround yourself with nature, fresh air and spend time in unpolluted environments, and your stress-levels will plummet, and we all know that stress is a major culprit of modern diseases, including a weakened immune system.

You can simply take a walk in the nearby park or spend an entire weekend with your pooch exploring the nearby natural reserve, camping and enjoying your escape from the urban jungle.

More vitamin D gained from being in sunlight, and more white blood cells along with a more positive mindset will work together to keep you healthy.

Even when it’s cold and rainy, and your sofa is luring you into its fuzzy embrace, you need to find the energy to keep up with your weekly exercise routine for the sake of your well-being.

It doesn’t have to be your standard gym routine, but you should consider taking a walk, a swim or a bike ride.

Research suggests that even as little as 20 minutes on the treadmill can help your body tackle potential diseases, by lowering your inflammation levels, improving your metabolism and stress-release, all of which is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system.

CHEERS, LUKE!

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