Immunity Building Secrets That Everyone Should Know By Now

The immune system plays a significant role in protecting against infections. With the winter approaching, flu and other seasonal illnesses become quite prevalent. A well-functioning immune system is your primary defense against a variety of infections and immune system diseases. In this article, we will talk about how to improve your immune system, natural immune boosters, and have a look at essential vitamins for the immune system. 

Staying Hydrated

The importance of water as one of the major immune boosters that can never be overstated. Drinking lots of water to keep your body hydrated can protect you from various immune system diseases and seasonal illnesses. A well-hydrated body strengthens the body’s immunity and helps to stave off infection. Men should aim for 125 fl. oz. (3.7 liters) and women should shoot for 91 fl. oz. (2.7 liters) of fluids a day to help the body naturally eliminate harmful toxins and bacteria that cause illness. You should ideally make sure to have a glass of water after you wake up in the morning as your body gets dehydrated from sleeping. During winter, introduce warm liquids such as non-caffeinated tea to supplement your daily water intake.

Taking Nutrient-Rich Supplements

The typical American diet is high on processed foods, and you may fall short on consuming the necessary nutrients that are needed for a well-functioning immune system. Also, as we age, the body’s capacity to absorb nutrients from food declines. Consuming dietary supplements to boost immune system function is an ideal way to plug nutritional gaps in your diet. While dietary supplements containing immune boosting nutrients like vitamin C, echinacea, and zinc are popular, some lesser-known nutrients can also help strengthen immunity.

Unfamiliar nutrients like monolaurin have some great antibacterial and antifungal properties. Monolaurin is what gives breastfed babies the immune support required while their own immune defenses are not fully developed. Similarly, other lesser-known nutrients that enhance immunity, like Beta-glucans, can be obtained via dietary supplements. Beta-glucans have the ability to help the immune system fight a wide variety of bacteria. Beta-glucans travel to the infection site and destroy pathogens, helping the immune system battle viruses and bacteria. 

Taking the Stress Out of Life

Stress weakens immunity and takes away your body’s ability to stay strong. If your body is under mental or physical stress, its ability to resist diseases is hindered. The best way to de-stress is “self-care”. Giving yourself adequate time to heal and allowing your mind and body to relax is important to strengthen your immune system. Research shows that stressed individuals have fewer natural killer cells that fight infection. Stress may also cause insomnia and interrupt sleep. Not getting adequate sleep can affect the immune system, disturb the heart rhythm, and cause disorders. Having adequate sleep can greatly reduce stress and allow the body the time it needs to recover.

Balanced Meals & Healthy Lifestyle

It is important to maintain a balanced diet that incorporates immune-boosting foods for a healthy lifestyle. Consuming a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates ensures that your body receives a variety of nutrients that strengthen your immune system. Consuming processed and comfort foods high in calories and simple carbohydrates, especially during food-related celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas can have severe adverse consequences for immunity building. 

Eating nutrient dense foods can help boost immunity. Foods naturally high in minerals and vitamins is particularly important. Vitamin C, D, and A intake in appropriate quantities can go a long way to help strengthen up the immune system. 

Conclusion

A healthy lifestyle and nutrient intake go hand in hand with building a stronger and healthier immune system. It can sometimes be challenging to obtain all the vital nutrients that ensure a well-functioning immune system via a regular diet. In such cases, dietary supplements can fill in the gap to fulfill your dietary needs. Improving your overall health and immunity depends on constantly taking care of yourself and your nutritional needs.