Your immune system is your body’s defence mechanism, protecting you against invaders such as germs, viruses, and bacteria. It therefore makes sense that you would want to make sure your immune system is functioning as good as it can be. Unfortunately, your immune response capability tends to decline with age, making you more susceptible to infections and cancers as you get older. But there are ways you can improve and maintain your immune system health, which can boost your chances of living a longer and heathier life.
Eat well
In order for your immune system to function effectively, you need to make sure you eat a balanced and healthy diet. This means getting plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as wholegrains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein so that you get all the nutrients you need. You should also aim to cut down on added sugars and saturated fats, which can contribute to multiple ailments, including high cholesterol, weight gain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. Eating a diet rich in nutrients and low in fat will help support optimal immune system function.
Improve your gut health
Studies suggest that a thriving gut biome is beneficial to your health and might even promote healthy immune function. You can boost the good bacteria in your gut by consuming fermented foods, as well as probiotics, prebiotics and digestive enzymes along with a healthy nutritious diet. Fermented foods include natural yoghurts, kefir, and sauerkraut. You can also boost your gut microbiome with Nestle BOOST Optimum. This delicious supplement contains many immune system-boosting nutrients, including probiotics, prebiotics, and B vitamins.
Get plenty of rest
When it comes to the health of your immune system, you should never underestimate the power of sleep. Lack of good quality sleep not only leaves you feeling cranky and unfocused, it can negatively impact your immune system and make you more susceptible to catching infections and other illnesses. It’s therefore in your best interests to make sure you get at least seven hours of good sleep every night. If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, create a sleeping schedule and stick to it. Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day will help your body slip into a regular circadian cycle. Other good sleeping tips include keeping your bedroom dark and well ventilated, avoiding alcohol and caffeine late at night, and switching off phones and other digital technology long before bed time.
Keep active
Regular exercise will not only make you feel more energised, it can help to improve your immune system. Combined with healthy eating, physical activity is known to reduce the likelihood of obesity, which is linked to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, maintaining a healthy bodyweight is going to reduce your chances of developing such ailments. However, there’s evidence that regular exercise can also help your body’s ability to fight off infections. According to one recent peer review, moderate exercise might help boost circulation of immune system cells, thereby preparing your body to fight off infections.
Conclusion
By improving your immune system, you lower your chances of getting ill. You can boost your body’s immunity by eating the right foods, getting enough sleep, improving your guy health, and keeping active.