4 Key Ways to Boost the Performance of your Immune System

In the human body, the immune system helps in guarding against pathogens, bacteria, cancer cells and other micro-organisms that threaten our health. However, sometimes the immune system fails to work as it ought to lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. When this happens, the immune system tends to attack body cells, organs, glands and tissues as opposed to micro-organisms that attack the body. When this happens, you need to find doctors for your disease. If you have developed an autoimmune disease, there are several ways to support your immune system and ensure that there is the balance. While boosting the immune system is a good thing, the ability to get it done can be elusive largely because the immune system is complex, it is not a standalone entity.

To operate optimally, the system needs to work in harmony and be balanced. A lot still needs to be researched to determine how intricate and interconnected the immune response is but as things stand now; no scientific proof exists that clearly shows the linkage between improved immunity and lifestyle. Even so, researchers continue to explore the impact that age, exercise, diet, psychological stress, and many other factors impact on immune response. Even so, adopting strategies that support healthy living is a good place to start in improving the immune system; here are some tips on how best you can achieve this:

1. Consider your age

As age catches up with you, the capability of your immune system to respond to attacks is reduced. This makes the body more vulnerable to infections. Though there are people who age in a healthy way, studies show that compared to younger populations, elderly people are more susceptible to infectious diseases and are more likely to lose their lives. A reduced immune response can be seen clearly in the way the elderly respond to vaccines. A good example are studies that show that influenza vaccines are less effective compared to when the vaccine is used on children. Even so, vaccinations are known to lower death and sickness rates significantly with vaccination among elderly populations despite a reduced efficacy compared to situations where no vaccination has been administered.

2. Use diet to boost immunity

Your body’s immune system is like an army that is constantly fighting. This means that it needs good warriors who are properly nourished. For a long time, researchers have acknowledged that persons who are malnourished and live in poor conditions are more prone to infections. Other studies show that there is a linkage between nutrition and the immune system in people while some studies show a direct linkage between nutrition and development of diseases.

There is evidence to show that deficiency of different micronutrients like selenium, copper, zinc, vitamins A, CM B6 and E, folic acid and iron have an impact on a person’s immunity. To boost your immunity, make some adjustments to your diet. If you notice that you’re the food you take is not providing your body with all the micronutrients it needs, or perhaps you don’t like certain foods, taking a mineral supplement on a daily basis could help provide other health benefits and boost your immune system.

3. Avoid or manage stress

Medical studies now appreciate that there is a close linkage between the mind and the body. Most maladies including hives, stomach upsets, and even heart-related diseases have been linked to the emotional state of a person. Increasingly, researchers are beginning to research the relationship that exists between immunity and stress despite challenges such as defining stress. This is because what if stressful to one person isn’t necessarily stressful for another person. Also, measuring stress levels is another challenge that researchers face because it is difficult to tell whether a person’s impression of stress is accurate.

Despite these challenges, you can avoid stress by practicing relation techniques that enhance your immunity. Have a positive mental attitude because this can boost your body’s ability to fight diseases. Improve your optimism through creative visualization and consider massage therapy to reduce stress. Further, get enough sleep – it is a basic foundation of immunity. This means at least having eight hours of sleep per night. This will help improve your immunity levels.

You may also consider spirituality in your stress management program. Whether you do it in the form of organized religion, prayer, meditation, or you use mind-body approaches such as yoga or tai chi, your mind and spirit will communicate with your immune system. Having a rounded spiritual sense and positive outlook on life can enhance immunity.

4. Get Sufficient Exercise

Appropriate exercise is actually an immune enhancer. Exercising on a regular basis is critical for the healthy living because it controls weight, reduces blood pressure and protects the body from various diseases. It creates immune-enhancing chemicals and increases oxygen, which helps fight antigens more effectively. Like having a healthy diet, regular exercise can go a long way in improving your health and boost your immune system. It is capable of enhancing blood circulation, allowing body cells and other substances within the immune system to freely move in the body and work efficiently.

Though research has not fully established a direct linkage between moderate exercise and its ability to maintain a healthy immune system, it is advisable to consider exercising moderately on a regular basis because it offers health benefits that maintain a healthy immune system. It is advisable not to overdo it to the point where you get exhausted, but incorporate regular exercise into your daily program.