Keeping our immune system healthy and strong has always been important. Because its primary role is to defend our body from all kinds of bacteria, viruses, and diseases. At present, during the global COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, it is quintessential. The current pandemic has taught us to take good care of our health and do everything we can to protect our bodies from the coronavirus. There isn’t any method that will protect you from the virus. But there are some things you can do about your lifestyle. They can boost your immune system and thus, potentially defend your body from the virus.
1. Keep your body hydrated
Not only water can make your skin look clear and lifted, but it can also boost your immune system and make it stronger and more difficult for viruses to enter your body. Preventing dehydration is key as it can cause certain problems concerning your overall health. Dehydration can affect our immune system indirectly. It causes headaches, decreased concentration, and the ability to perform physically. It also affects our mood and digestion, among other things. All of this makes us susceptible to all kinds of illnesses. It is best to drink water as it is free of calories, additives, and sugar. People living in hot climates, such as in Australia should especially be mindful of keeping themselves hydrated.
2. Maintain a well-balanced healthy diet
Diet is the base for a strong immune system. With food, we supply our bodies with all kinds of vitamins and minerals. It means that our diet should be rich in important nutrients. You can find them in different fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, healthy fats found in olive oil and salmon as well as fermented food such as sauerkraut, yogurt, and kefir. People are aware of the importance of organic fruits and vegetables. Due to this increased need, lots of people worldwide have focused on growing and delivering healthy products to customers’ doors. So, make sure you boost your immune system in the right way by supplying yourself with healthy organic products. For example, Sydneysiders have gone crazy for Australian organic produce due to it being locally-grown, healthy, fresh, and quickly at their doorsteps. And where do you buy your immune-boosting products?
3. Have a good night sleep
Irregular and inadequate sleep is directly connected to higher susceptibility to disease. While you sleep, you allow your body to recover and recharge, making it stronger for fighting off viruses. Adults should get more than 7 hours of sleep every night. Ideal sleeping conditions include a dark, quiet room. Don’t forget to sleep at more or less the same time every night.
4. Engage in physical activity
We need to be extra careful when it comes to exercising and doing sports. Overdoing it can actually suppress our immune system. We need balance and moderate physical activity which will act positively on our immune system. Some examples of such physical activity include walking, cycling, swimming. Be careful! It should cover no more than 150 minutes per week.
5. Steer clear from cigarettes and alcohol
Two things that will definitely not help our immune system are alcohol and cigarettes. Consumption of alcohol is fine in moderation, while smoking does us no good. So make sure you get rid of these harmful habits.
Our immune system is a complex structure and there isn’t one sure way to boost it. However, there are some things related to our lifestyle that we can modify and kick our defensive system up a notch. If you mind the food you take in, the amount of water, and the quality of sleep, and if you’re active physically and avoid drinking alcohol as well as smoking cigarettes, you’re on a good way of boosting your immune system.
