The prevailing function of the immune system is to prevent or control infection. It distinguishes between normal, healthy, and unhealthy cells. A strong immune system helps in fighting viruses while a weak immune system is easily affected by the virus. Hence, makes one ill.
Here, are some basic steps to strengthen your immunity system:
1. Stay up-to-date on recommended vaccines:
A strong immune system means using the best foundation it needs to defend itself against harmful diseases. The human immune system is smart, but vaccines help train it to be even smarter, learning how to recognize and fight the specific diseases that cause disease. The immune system is much safer learning through vaccination than being infected by these harmful bacteria. It's important to stay up-to-date on recommended vaccinations, especially the COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, as well as the annual flu shot.
2. Maintain a healthy diet:
As with most things in your body, a healthy diet is one of the most important thing for a strong immune system. Make sure that you are supplying your immune system with the energy it needs, a healthy diet can help you get enough of the micronutrients that play a role in maintaining your immune system, including;
-Vitamin B6 in chicken, salmon, tuna, bananas, leafy green vegetables, and potatoes (with skin)
-Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits such as oranges and strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and spinach
-Vitamin E in almonds, sunflower oil, safflower oil, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, and spinach.
Experts believe that your body absorbs vitamins better from food sources than from supplements, so the best way to support your immune system is a balanced diet.
3. Play sports regularly:
Physical activity isn't just for building muscle and reducing stress. It is an important part of health and also supports a healthy immune system. One of the ways exercise improves immune function is by boosting overall blood flow. This allows immune cells and other infection-fighting molecules to move more easily throughout the body.
In fact, research shows that just 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day can strengthen your immune system. It's important to stay active and work out daily.
4. Hydration:
Water plays many important roles in the body, including supporting the immune system. It is recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres of water every day to stay healthy.
5. Get enough sleep:
Sleep certainly doesn't feel like an active process, but a lot of important things happen in your body when you're not awake. People who don't get enough quality sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to viruses For your immune system to have the best chance of fighting infections and illnesses, it's important to know how much sleep you should get each night and what measures to take when you're having trouble sleeping.
6. Minimize stress:
Whether stress occurs quickly or builds up over time, it's important to understand how stress affects your health. This includes effects on the immune system. During times of stress, especially frequent and prolonged chronic stress, the body responds by triggering, it is also known as a stress response.
It is designed to help you cope with stressful situations. Unfortunately, this response also suppresses the immune system, making infection and disease more likely. Everyone has different stress levels and different ways of managing them. Knowing how to recognize stress is important. You should also familiarize yourself with activities that help reduce stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, prayer, and exercise.