Most times, you may be wondering why you always tend to catch every illness there is? Once it’s in the air, you always tend to be among the recipients. Oftentimes, it can even be that you’re being knocked out for a week just because of a simple breeze. Among the signs there is, it could also be possible that your immune system is raising an alarm and you need to boost it, naturally. White blood cells play a crucial role in fighting infections, and their effectiveness can be a key indicator of your immune system’s health.
The constant consumption of coffee to stay awake, skipping vegetables, and late-night munching are some of the unnoticed pioneers responsible for wearing down your body’s defenses. However, just like this article states, it’s possible to repair it without becoming a wellness monk. Hydration plays a significant role in maintaining the immune system by aiding the transportation of white blood cells throughout the body. You can give your immune system the boost it’s been longing for with just a few dietary adjustments.
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Do you know that your immune system is like your own bouncer, and one of its major job descriptions involves keeping germs out of the body? When it enters beast mode, it easily knocks out trespassers like a pro, taking care of everything from viruses to bacteria without an inch of sweat. However, when your immune system is not at its best, it becomes tired, sluggish, and lets in germs left, right, and center. The immune system needs to be in top shape to fight off infections effectively.
Let’s picture these scenarios together: You’re constantly catching every cold that storms in your house by evening, and then you give in to sneezing. You wake up feeling so exhausted, even after you just concluded a solid eight hours of sleep. You usually get injury cuts that heal slowly. My girl, these are all your body’s not-so-pronounced ways of telling your immune system there’s a problem
Just to evidently show you of the struggles it’s going through, it introduces a bonus section. Suddenly, your skin is breaking out, or your stomach’s irritated every time you eat something spicy. That’s because when your immune system’s struggling, it doesn’t only affect your ability to fight off the cold weather or injury cuts; it can mess with your skin and digestion too (via National Institutes of Health).
Basically, it’s like all of your defense’s team, including our dear VIP bouncer, have decided to take a nap together, with no one on the lookout. So, if your body is seeming like a safehouse that has been breached, it’s time to listen up! Your immune system has been on the battlefield waving a very big white flag to show you the extent its been begging for reinforcements! Hydration is crucial as it helps in the transport of cells in the immune system. Thankfully, It’s time to send in backup now!
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Here’s where the magic happens! The foods you feed your immune system form a major contributor to the boost your immune system builds up. You could think of your immune system as a handyman, and your diet as the toolkit. When you give it the right tools, it can fix just about anything. The right diet should consist mainly of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These are the ‘not so talked about’ nutrients that keep you fit for an extended period based on your intake of it.
When you take vitamin C, for instance, It jumps in to keep infections far from you. Ever wondered why every cold remedy seems to scream “vitamin C”? Yeah, that’s why. There’s then zinc, it’s more of the behind-the-scenes helper we all need. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), zinc makes sure that your wounds heal quickly. Antioxidants also, which are found in fruits and veggies, have an important part to play. One of the key nutrients for immune health is vitamin D. The catch here is that they majorly function as a helpmeet to protect your immune system from damages caused and are capable of weakening your body’s defenses if left unchecked. (Healthline)
So, if your meals have been more of “fast food” than “fresh produce”, it’s definitely time for a quick recess.” Unfortunately, a diet consisting mostly of pizza and chips won’t strengthen your immune system. We’re going to be replacing those processed foods with something healthier, that will truly keep your body and immune function healthy!
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Is there really anything like “superfoods”? Well, let’s find out! We’d talk about those “superfoods” that boost immune system naturally
Vitamin C, as was earlier mentioned, is found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. They help in keeping your immune system awake, just in case they’re still taking a nap in a natural way.
Vegetables high in vitamins and minerals, such as spinach and kale, make sure that your body generally works properly. Blood cells and play their role in immune health with the support of these nutrients.
Garlic contains qualities that can intensively boost your immune system which can further help your body to fight off diseases.
Yogurt contains probiotics, which support your immune system from the inside out.
However, it’s not just all about the individual foods, a balanced diet is key regardless. Berries, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon all have their place in helping your immune system become super strong. Even green tea, with a high level of antioxidants, can provide your body with any sort of extra protection needed. So, what exactly is the takeaway from all this? Henceforth, start loading up these nutrient-filled foods and other immune-boosting elements into your system as much as you can, and you’ll be good to go.
Building a stronger immune system doesn’t require changing your entire diet, the small changes you’d inculcate can make a difference! For starters, you can swap out those sugary snacks for fruits like berries or citrus slices. These are heavily loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that your immune system really needs more than ever to support a healthy immune response. Adding at least a handful of nuts to your diet can boost your intake of vitamin E, another immune-strengthening nutrient.
The next thing you can do is to step up in making hydration a priority. If you want to maintain a healthy immune system, staying hydrated is crucial. Water, as basic as it seems, helps flush out toxins and keeps your system running smoothly. However, we often underestimate its relevance and just how much our bodies need it. Also, you could try adding a daily dose of garlic to your meals. Don’t overthink it, it’s truthfully very simple, adds flavor to your meals, and works wonders for your immunity.
You really don’t have to be perfect, just being consistent is more than enough. Focus on balance, and remember, a little bit of planning goes a long way. When you gradually eat these immune-boosting foods, you’ll notice that your body including your immune system feels stronger, and your energy levels are rising.