To help combat illness, our immune system needs some help. Here are some quick, easy changes you can start making in your lifestyle to boost your immune system and your overall health.
Drink water. We all know we need to drink water to live, but it also has many health benefits. It can improve the oxygen level and fluid balance in your blood, encouraging production of lymph, which our immune system uses to circulate white blood cells. If water alone is too boring, try making infused water with lemon, cucumber and other fruits!
Socialize (and laugh) more. Friends help you relax, forget your worries and unwind. Being with people you care about can make you laugh, and as they say, laughter is the best medicine. Laughter raises levels of antibodies and white blood cells, as well as improving your mental state and relieving stress.
Snack on immune boosters. There are some foods that are known to boost your immune system. These foods include eggs, oats, yogurt, garlic, apples, citrus, berries, carrots, leafy veggies and oily fish. Adding these foods to your diet can increase your vitamin levels and boost your overall health.
Turn on the tunes. Listening to (or playing) music can boost your immunity. A study done at McGill University found that listening to music stimulated the same parts of the brain that are activated by food and sex. Another study, done by a German Choir showed that singing can activate the spleen, and increase the concentrations of antibodies in your blood.
Get some sleep. Uninterrupted deep sleep can improve your immune system, especially between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. When it is truly dark, your body produces melatonin which can help prevent certain diseases and help you rest. To help your body produce melatonin, shut off the lights, including your phone, tablet, and other tech.
Developing a new habit takes about three weeks, so stick with these tips for your immune system, and watch as you become stronger, healthier, and happier.
Drink water. We all know we need to drink water to live, but it also has many health benefits. It can improve the oxygen level and fluid balance in your blood, encouraging production of lymph, which our immune system uses to circulate white blood cells. If water alone is too boring, try making infused water with lemon, cucumber and other fruits!
Socialize (and laugh) more. Friends help you relax, forget your worries and unwind. Being with people you care about can make you laugh, and as they say, laughter is the best medicine. Laughter raises levels of antibodies and white blood cells, as well as improving your mental state and relieving stress.
Snack on immune boosters. There are some foods that are known to boost your immune system. These foods include eggs, oats, yogurt, garlic, apples, citrus, berries, carrots, leafy veggies and oily fish. Adding these foods to your diet can increase your vitamin levels and boost your overall health.
Turn on the tunes. Listening to (or playing) music can boost your immunity. A study done at McGill University found that listening to music stimulated the same parts of the brain that are activated by food and sex. Another study, done by a German Choir showed that singing can activate the spleen, and increase the concentrations of antibodies in your blood.
Get some sleep. Uninterrupted deep sleep can improve your immune system, especially between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. When it is truly dark, your body produces melatonin which can help prevent certain diseases and help you rest. To help your body produce melatonin, shut off the lights, including your phone, tablet, and other tech.
Developing a new habit takes about three weeks, so stick with these tips for your immune system, and watch as you become stronger, healthier, and happier.