Who wouldn’t want to have an immune system so strong it can fend off any virus and bad bacteria? We’re all keen to follow tips on boosting our immunity, but can we trust them? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the scientifically-proven facts about the immune system, and we’ll bust some of the more widespread myths.
1. Follow a healthy diet
A balanced diet rich in vitamins is crucial for your body’s ability to resist external threats, be they viruses or harmful bacteria. But keep in mind that your immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues and organs that cannot easily be adjusted to fight threats like the common cold. This is to say that, for instance, a dose of vitamin C will not prevent you from getting a cold when you’re already showing the first symptoms. So, sticking to an ongoing healthy diet is much more important than focusing on particular food supplements meant to compensate for lack of certain vitamins etc.
2. Get exercising
Regular exercise is beneficial for your health and overall physical shape, although there is no single coherent scientific explanation for how exactly it improves your immune system. This is apparently due to the fact that exercise slows down the release of stress hormones. One thing is sure though: excessive exercise is much more likely to weaken your immunity than to boost it, so take care not to exhaust yourself. It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep is key for regaining your energy.
3. Avoid harmful addictions
Smoking, increased consumption of alcohol, and recreational drugs negatively affect your immunity. There is a well-known incidence of respiratory infections in smokers, which is unlike the negative effect smoking has on the antibodies your body produces to fight unwanted intruders. Alcohol, for its part, diminishes your body’s inflammatory activity, the immune system’s initial response to a foreign intrusion, and it reduces the number of T and B cells responsible for producing antibodies. This is not to suggest that you have to give up the occasional glass of wine if you enjoy it.
These guidelines may seem too general, but this is because your immune system is too complex to allow for separate boosting recipes. But when speaking of the immune system at large, the best way to improve it is to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Start small and build up your own path towards DeepHealth! #DeepH
