Our bodies go through a lot on a daily basis, being subjected to dust, dirt, grime, exhaust, smoke and microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Even after being exposed to all this, our body, and more specifically, our immune system, is doing the remarkable duty of protecting us from all of these and keeping us healthy.
The immune system, as the name suggests, is an entire system and not a single entity or unit that protects the body. It consists of various biological structures, such as organs, cells, and tissues, all of which work together to protect the body against invasion from any foreign body. The ‘foreign body’ refers to microbes that cause diseases. Thus, the entire immune system needs to function smoothly at all given times in order to keep our body free from infection and disease. Various factors determine the efficiency of the immune system and these factors work in harmony and maintain a balance for effective defense.
We must therefore take measures to improve our immune system in order to keep diseases at bay. There is however, no single step or answer to help improve immunity. It is a combination of several factors that help boost the immune system.
Improve and boost the immune system
- Consume immune supportive herbs and supplements
When the flu season comes, many are susceptible to catching the cold since they are surrounded by people suffering from the infection and giving it to others. A preventive step is to have bioceuticals armaforce formula beforehand when you are surrounded by people suffering from flu. This natural formula is made of nutrients and herbs such as echinacea roots, andrographis, olive leaf, zinc and vitamin C. The herbs are known to provide protection against recurrent microbial infections. Also, when surrounded by viruses that affect the respiratory system, a tincture of echinacea has been recommended thus making nutrient formulas natural and effective.
- Get some sunlight
A lower vitamin D level has been linked to greater instances of respiratory problems. Thus, getting out in the sun and being exposed to its rays for at least ten to fifteen minutes a day can help increase the content of Vitamin D and subsequently give a boost to the immune system. However, it must be remembered that the exposure to the sun must be without sunscreen applied to the body.
- Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts
Consuming fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts provides the body with all the nutrients that the immune system requires functioning effectively and efficiently. In fact, a study conducted in adults revealed that with greater intake of fruits and vegetables, the antibody response of the body to the vaccine Pneumovax improved significantly. Pneumovax is the vaccine which protects the body against the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Get adequate sleep and practice stress management
When the body is greatly stressed and sleep deprived, it leads to increase in the level of cortisol hormone in the body, which in turn suppresses the function of the immune system with increasing cortisol levels. Thus, management of stress and adequate sleep is vital.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
Excessive drinking of alcohol negatively impacts the immune system and makes the body more vulnerable to infections of the lungs. Similarly, tobacco smoke increases the risk of pneumonia and bronchitis by undermining the immune defense. Exposure to the tobacco smoke even leads to infections of the middle ear in children.
These few pointers can help boost the immune system.
