Keeping your immune system strong is more important than ever, and will help you go about your daily routine without being thrown off track by avoidable sickness, and ensuring a quick recovery. Having a compromised immune system creates a greater risk for picking up infections and viral illnesses, but there's a couple of simple things you can do to give your body the best shot at staying healthy and happy.
Your immune system plays a remarkable role in fighting off bacteria, disease and virus-causing microorganisms. The role of your immune system is to fight invading pathogens, however for your immune system to function well, it requires a balance, quite like that of homeostasis — which you probably learnt about back in high school Biology.
An often overlooked factor for your immune system is stress levels, which we tend to accept as 'just another part of life' on a daily basis. Your stress levels impact your body in more ways than one, it can affect your skin, your hair, your mood and of course your immune system. That is why it is extremely important to manage stress.
We are here to give you our top tips to keeping your immune system strong, healthy and reducing your stress levels!
A BALANCED DIET
Ensuring you're maintaining a balanced diet full of vitamins and nutrients will help increase your immunity and fight off any unwanted pathogens. The link between a healthy gut and a healthy immune system has been resoundingly proven and a good diet is the key to both.
Maintaining a balanced diet is the most effective way to ensure you’re getting all of the essential vitamins and nutrients that keep your body functioning well. If you struggle to get all your vitamins through food, using supplements — specifically Vitamin C and B Vitamins, can be beneficial. Vitamin B6 assists in the absorption of B12 which is needed to create red blood cells and cells for your immune system.
Studies have shown that incorporating superfoods such as Curcumin (Turmeric), Olive Leaf, Honey and Camu Camu into your diet can also support the body’s immune system, especially when it’s fighting against stress. Other supplements such as collagen, fibre and pre and pro-biotics are a great addition for a healthy gut!
SLEEP
Studies show that sleep deprivation can lead to a compromised immune system and suppressed immunity, as well as affecting how well you can recover if you do get sick. When you are asleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines which protect your body against infectious diseases. If you're sleep deprived, your immune system struggles to create enough cytokines reducing your ability to fight off any nasties.
Studies recommend to avoid looking at a screen 30 minutes - 1 hour before bed each night to help improve and achieve a deeper sleep. So grab your favourite candle, a nice cup of tea (or decaf coffee) and spend half an hour before bed away from technology practising mindful meditation or relaxation. Really calm the mind before bed!
MEDITATION
A meditation and mindfulness practice can produce a deep state of relaxation for not only the body but also the mind. Meditation allows you to unjumble and expel any thoughts that might be causing you stress and helps to promote physical and emotional wellbeing.
Studies show that practicing meditation for at least 10 minutes a day decreases your stress levels and, the less stress on your body, the lower your chances are of compromising your immune system.
Not only do these tips promote a healthier immune system but combining them can create a healthier physical and emotional state of being. So go on, what are you waiting for?