Boosting Your Immune System

Our hectic and busy schedules lead us to having weakened immune systems and if we run on very weak immune systems, it leaves room for more chances of us becoming sick. It is safe to say that everyone experiences sleep deprivation, excessive stress, and micronutrient starvation whether it be on low levels or high levels, but we experience them from time to time. It is not so easy for us to focus on every single thing all at one time, but when we try to it is taking a toll on our immune systems. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising several times a week, and taking necessary breaks to rest are vital to supporting your immune system.

Reasons for a weak immune system

Micronutrient starvation, excessive stress, and sleep deprivation can cause your immune system to weaken.

First off, with micronutrient starvation, you may be lacking vitamin C, vitamin D, Zinc, or other vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immunity. This is not considered a good thing because these vitamins and minerals give you energy and they help fight off bacteria. They help prevent the spread of bacteria.

When you have excessive stress, your immune system weakens and that is when viruses can creep into your system. A virus like Bell ’s palsy is just one of the many viruses out there that can creep into your system. Normally, once a virus has found its way into your system, it lays dormant and it can be reactivated by stressing out again. The problem does not so much lie in having some stress, it lies in having excessive stress.

As for sleep deprivation, it is very significant. Less than 8 hours of sleep a night weakens your immunity. Sleep is how you revive and recuperate yourself, and you need a certain amount in order to do so.

How to strengthen your immune system

Focusing on your diet, fitness, and relaxation will strengthen your immune system.

Try to maintain a well balanced healthy diet. Eating fruits and vegetables daily are the way to go. Fruits and vegetables are inexpensive and you can substitute them in place of junk food when it is time for a snack. It is also a good idea to take immune enhancing supplements (check out vitaminshoppe.com) because they can give that little extra boost in strengthening your immune system.

Drinking water, tea, and antioxidant drinks can help boost your immunity. Soda will not do any good for your system. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water is recommended because it flushes away the toxins in your body. Antioxidant drinks can help free the body of harmful free radicals and help put your body in defense mode. Drinking tea every day can help you maintain your health and ward off some serious illnesses. Tea with echinacea is specifically aimed towards supporting the immune system.

Physical exercise like aerobics, cardio, stretching, and jogging are all good exercise that can strengthen your immunity. Exercising 25-30 minutes several times a week can make a big difference for your immune system. Mental or spiritual exercise can be done using relaxation techniques. Meditation and deep-breathing are a couple of techniques that can be used to relieve stress.

Rest is essential. You can gain rest either by sleeping or by relaxing. Sometimes we do not have a good night of sleep due to a stressful busy day, but it is important to get as much sleep as possible. Even a 10 minute nap during the day will help you revitalize. Whether or not you reach 8 hours of sleep a night, relaxing is key. Relaxing can ease stress and you do not have to be asleep to do it. Loosen your muscles so that your body can rest. Having a lot of tension in your body can definitely weaken your immune system.