Top 15 Immune System Boosters

Prepare to Strengthen Your Immune System source Medicinenet.com 14 April 2022

With the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks, many people are concerned about staying healthy and maintaining a healthy immune system. Doing so can benefit your body and boost your defenses against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. On the following slides, we’ll cover the top immunity boosters tips to help you and your body stay strong to fight off infections.

Is Stress Bad for You?

Is Chronic stress depresses the immune system and increases the risk of several types of illnesses. It raises the level of hormones called catecholamines. Being stressed out leads to increased levels of suppressor T cells, which suppress the immune system. When this branch of the immune system is impaired, you are more susceptible to viral illnesses including respiratory conditions like colds, flu, and the novel coronavirus infection.

Can Sex Boost Your Immune System??

In a study of college students, those who had sex once or twice per week had the highest levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in their saliva. IgA is an immune molecule that helps protect us against illnesses like the common cold. Students who had sex once or twice per week had more salivary IgA than students who were not sexually active, infrequently sexually active (less than once a week), or who were very sexually active (three or more times per week). Enjoying sex up to a couple of times per week seems to be the sweet spot for promoting optimal IgA levels

Attitude is everything  

Be Positive to Boost Immune Response

Expect good things and your immune system will follow. A study of law students found that their immune systems were stronger when they felt optimistic. Make optimism work for you. Try to see the glass as half full, not half empty. Practice gratitude and think of at least three things that you are grateful for every day. Imagine the best outcome for situations, even difficult ones.

Laugh it up      Laughs Are Good for You

Can laughter really boost your immune system? Results of some studies suggest it can. In a study of healthy males, watching a funny movie boosted natural killer cell activity while watching an emotionally neutral movie did not boost immune system function.  Laughs can’t hurt and they might help boost your immune system and reduce the likelihood of illness.

What about Antioxidants

They Protect Your Cells

Antioxidants are compounds in colorful fruits and vegetables that protect against free radicals. Free radicals can damage DNA and other cell components. Fruits and vegetables in a wide array of colors provide the best mix of protective antioxidants to boost overall health and immunity. Eat leafy greens, watermelon, carrots, berries, broccoli, oranges, kiwi, cantaloupe, and other brightly colored produce to give your cells and immune system all the natural protection they need to function at their best.

Does Vitamin Status Matter?

A Multivitamin May Help

Some experts believe that taking a daily multivitamin can help ensure you’re meeting at least your daily minimum requirement for certain nutrients. Vitamins that are critical for immune function include vitamins A, C, D, and E. Zinc, selenium, and magnesium are minerals that your immune system needs to function at its best. These minerals are also critical for the function of many enzyme reactions in the body. Your immune system and body can’t function at their best without the basic building blocks they need to work properly.

Herb and Supplement Immune Booster

Healing Plants

Some research has suggested that compounds in herbs and supplements can enhance immunity. Andrographis, elderberry,Garlic, astragalus, , milk thistle, ginseng, green tea, black cumin, pelargonium sidoides and licorice are some of the herbs that have been reported to have immune-boosting benefits. Talk to your doctor of pharmacist before including herbs and supplements into your regimen. They may produce side effects, especially when combined with other herbs, supplements, or medications. Probiotics are beneficial strains of bacteria that have also been described as immune boosters. Look for probiotic supplements with lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. Probiotics can also help improve digestive health.

Does Exercise Boost Immunity??

Move Your Body

Exercise has numerous health benefits including protecting you against heart disease, osteoporosis, and even certain types of cancer. Exercise is also an immune booster. To reap maximum benefits, try to be moderately physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Walking is one of the simplest ways to exercise. If you’re not excited about walking, try yoga, swimming, cycling, or golf. Gardening is also a good way to get some outdoor activity.

Sleep Your Way to a better Immune System

Make Sleep a Priority

Several studies confirm the link between sleep and a healthy immune system. Most people need between 7 to 9 hours to feel adequately rested. Being well-rested improves the function of white blood cells, so you’re less likely to get illnesses like respiratory infections, colds, and the flu. Practice good sleep hygiene to optimize sleep. That means waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, even on weekends. Avoid substances that can interfere with sleep, like caffeine and alcohol, for several hours before bedtime. You’re more likely to sleep well if your bedroom is cooler. Establish a relaxing evening routine before bedtime. Enjoy a warm bath, relaxing music, or a cup of tea to help you drift off to sleep more easily.

Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol?

It is best to limit alcohol

Alcohol depresses the immune system so it’s best to drink it in moderation or not at all. Men may be able to consume up to two alcoholic drinks per day. Women should have no more than one. Whether or not one can safely consume some alcohol has to do with many factors including overall health status, risk factors for disease, and any medications you may be taking. Ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to indulge in an occasional alcoholic drink and if so, how much is safe for you to consume

Nicotine is an Immunosuppressive

A Dangerous Substance

Smoking and nicotine use are bad for the immune system. People who use tobacco are also at increased risk of health problems like lung cancer, asthma, stroke, and heart attack. Any substance that depresses your immune system is not something that you want to use. There are many different strategies to help you quit. Your doctor may recommend nicotine patches, antidepressants, or other treatments to help you stop smoking. Reach out for help if you need it.

Can Handwashing keep You Healthy

Suds Up to Protect Your Health

Frequent handwashing is a simple and effective way to prevent the spread of respiratory infections like colds, flu, coronavirus, diarrheal illnesses, and other infectious conditions. Some germs are easily transmissible from person to person when we come into contact with one another. It’s easy to transfer germs from your hands to your nose, eyes, and mouth, if you touch them. This can get you sick. Wash your hands with soap under running water. Scrub the fronts and backs of your hands as well as in between fingers. Antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer may confer additional protection against microorganisms. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol for times when you don’t have access to soap and water.