Keeping your immune system in infection-fighting shape can help you prevent diseases from coming. Your body greatly benefits from the consumption of fruits and vegetables as they can provide you with the needed vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for you to fight-off diseases causing microbes.
According to Timothy Mainardi, MD, an allergist and immunologist based in New York City:
“If you take care of yourself, the immune system will take care of itself.”
Aside from munching on a bowl of vegetables and fruits, there are also ways that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine to optimize your immune system.
Ways To Improve The Immune System Naturally
Start Your Day With Lukewarm Lemon Water
Drinking lukewarm lemon water first thing in the morning is the easiest way to help your body get rid of toxins because it kick starts digestion and slowly wakes your body for the day ahead.
Exercise
According to studies, regular exercise can activate your body’s T cells, a type of white blood cell known to guard the body against infection. Also, working out increases your blood flow and lymph flow, and removes toxins out of your body through sweat. Try to do simple exercises at least 30 minutes a day. Yoga stretches or going for a walk will do the trick.
Up Your Fiber Intake
At least 5-7 servings of organic fruits and vegetables a day can provide your body with the nutrients it needs for a stronger immune system. They contain soluble fibers that can bind and eliminate toxins from your gut. Moreover, they can also add up to your water intake.
Stress Reduction
In a 2004 study, results showed that prolonged stress increases your hormone cortisol and can possibly wear down the immune system and increases your risk for illnesses. Always check your stress levels and do some relaxing exercises such as meditation, deep breathing, tai chi, or yoga.
Catch Some Rays
Sunlight activates the skin’s production of vitamin D. A 10-15-minute exposure to the sun is enough during summertime. A body with adequate amounts of vitamin D is at a lowered risk of developing respiratory infections.
Dry Skin Brushing
Doing this practice can support your lymphatic system, which is the bodies sewage system, thereby releasing toxins that lead to sickness.
Be Mindful About What You Apply Onto Your Skin
At these present days, there are many household or cosmetic products offered in the market that contain harmful chemicals that can possibly end up in your system. It would be better if you use organic products or simply make your own alternative.
Avoid Sugar Like The Plague
Sugar, particularly the refined one, messes around your blood sugar levels and is very hard to digest. As much as possible, stay away from sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Drink Enough Water And Healing Teas
Drinking plain water (with or without fresh lemon juice) or healing teas throughout the day can help strengthen your filtering organs and help in flushing out those harmful toxins out of your body through urine. Fresh coconut water can also be a great option.
Here are some of the excellent healing teas you can try:
To cleanse the blood: burdock or red clover
To combat inflammation: nettle and chamomile
For liver support: dandelion, pau d’arco, and milk thistle
To help with constipation: senna, flax tea, and aloe vera
Aside from being easy to incorporate, these simple steps won’t consume much of your time and can provide big favors for your overall health.