5 Ways to Boost your Immune System

The inner body is like a warzone when effected by germs. Although our immune systems are great at fighting off germs, sometimes germs can successfully invade our bodies and make us sick. Is there a way to boost and strengthen our immune system? Check out the top 5 ways to boost you immune system.

​How to boost your immune system


1. Avoid Tobacco Products

Cigarette smoking causes numerous diseases and increases the risk of pneumonia and bronchitis. The smoke from tobacco suppresses the immune system and delays the immune system’s defensive response to infection. Essentially, the more you smoke the longer colds and flus will linger.


2. Lower Alcohol Intake

Alcohol disrupts immune pathways which can impair the body’s ability to defend and recover from infection. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption increases susceptibility to pneumonia and various other respiratory infections.


3. Healthy Diet

Nutrient rich foods such as, vegetables and fruits, provide your body with the fuel needed to keep your immune system functioning at its best. There are also certain foods such as garlic and honey which have antimicrobial agents that can actually act as an immune booster. If you are unable to get the proper nutrients from food, you should consider including vitamins, supplements and probiotics in your diet.


4. Sleep Well

Lack of sleep and too much sleep can be detrimental to your health. Rather, the focus should be on getting quality sleep. During sleep the immune system releases proteins called cytokines. Certain kinds of cytokines need to increase in order to fight infection. Therefore, lack of sleep or low-quality sleep, can decrease production of cytokines that are required to combat infection.


5. Stress Management

An excess of stress can lead to the increased production of a hormone call cortisol. Prolonged elevation of cortisol levels can lead to the suppression of the immune system. When the immune system is suppressed, immune response is delayed which can lead to infection. 

By: Haninder Dhillon

Co-owner of DRS Physio & Wellness and DRS Mobile Therapy.

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